I. noun
also pro·log ˈprōˌlȯg also -läg
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English prolog, prologe, from Old French prologue, prologe, from Latin prologus preface to a play, speaker of the preface, from Greek prologos prologos
1. : the preface or introduction to a discourse, performance, or nondramatic literary work
2.
a.
(1) : a speech often in verse addressed to the audience by one or more of the actors at the opening of a play — compare epilogue
(2) : the actor speaking such a prologue
b. : the opening scene of a play whose main action is set within a separate frame
3. : an introductory or preceding act, event, or development
in the prologue of life — W.E.Swinton
a prologue to her own … history — Hugh Walpole
sacred and solemn prologues to … Easter Sunday are planned Maundy Thursday and Good Friday — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to introduce or provide with a prologue or preface
prologues and epilogues the selection — Saturday Review (London)