See Also: preamble(1)(dictionary)
preamble(2)(dictionary)
preamble(dictionary)
PREAMBLE(law)

preamble(1) (iou)



preamble noun. LME.
[Old & mod. French preambule from medieval Latin praeambulum use as noun of neut. of late Latin praeambulus going before, (in medieval Latin) preliminary, from praeambulare: see PREAMBLE verb.]
A preliminary statement in speech or writing; an introductory paragraph, section, or clause. LME.
R. Park Ma had launched into conversation without preamble. Early Music The editorial preamble is excellent on the overall background to the two works.
b. spec. An introductory paragraph in a statute, deed, or other formal document, setting forth its grounds and intention. L16.
E. Wharton The lawyer..began to rattle through the preamble of the will.
c. A musical prelude. poet. E17.
gen. A preceding fact or circumstance; esp. a presage, a prognostic. M16.
K. Tynan A convivial meeting of the summit is always the preamble to war.