Prologue

(prō'log) (Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. & Pr. prologue, Sp., Pg., & It. prologo, Lat. prologus, Gr. πρόλογος, from προλέγειν, to say beforehand, from πρό, before, and λέγειν, to say.]

1. The preface or introduction to a discourse or performance; especially, the discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance or play begins.
2. One who utters or delivers a prologue. [Obs. and rare.]