I. R ˈōvər]ˌchu̇(ə)r, ]_chər, ]ˌtu̇(ə)r, ].ˌtyu̇(ə)r, by r- dissimilation -və]; - R -vəˌchu̇ə, -vəchə, -vəˌtu̇ə, -və.ˌtyu̇ə, +V “ or -u̇(ə)r or -_chər noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin opertura, alteration (influenced by Latin cooperire to cover) of Latin apertura — more at aperture , cover
1. obsolete
a. : aperture , hole , opening , recess
b. : disclosure , discovery , revelation
c. : an opening or opportunity for action
d. : overturning, overthrow
2.
a. : a formal or informal initiative looking to an agreement, action, or the establishment of a relationship : a first move : approach , proposal
making overtures to the authorities … for a free-trade agreement — American Guide Series: Maine
a very forward girl, who is not afraid to make overtures — C.B.Kelland
received overtures from film directors here and abroad
b. : something that ushers in or introduces what follows : commencement , prelude
more often … the main thing at supper than it is an overture to dinner — Jane Nickerson
the overture to a sense of panic — Marcia Davenport
an overture of speeches — Time
3.
a. : a formal proposal or request in Scottish and English Presbyterian churches for legislation made to the highest court of the church
b. : the submission in American Presbyterian churches of a question of doctrine or polity by the highest court to the presbyteries for their judgment on it before formal determination by the court ; also : the question thus submitted
4.
a. : an orchestral composition introductory to an oratorio, opera, or other extended musical work consisting usually of two or more contrasting sections of related material and in later developments especially in the 19th century comprising a potpourri of melodies or themes of the ensuing work or a free prelude used to establish background or mood for the plot or opening scene
b. : an orchestral concert piece of similar construction or one written as a single movement in sonata form
II. “, + suffixal vowel -u̇r or -_chər\ transitive verb
: to put forward as an overture : make or present an overture to