[ ˌprəʊlɪ'gɒmɪnən ]
■ noun ( plural prolegomena ) a critical or discursive introduction to a book.
Derivatives
prolegomenous adjective
Origin
C17: via L. from Gk, passive pres. participle (neut.) of prolegein 'say beforehand', from pro 'before' + legein 'say'.