proem

American  

[proh-em] / ˈproʊ ɛm /

noun

1. an introductory discourse; introduction; preface; preamble.

---

proem British  

/ ˈprəʊɛm, prəʊˈiːmɪəl /

noun

1. an introduction or preface, such as to a work of literature

---

Other Word Forms

• proemial
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of proem

1350–1400; < Latin prooemium < Greek prooímion prelude ( pro- pro- ² + oím ( ē ) song + -ion diminutive suffix); replacing Middle English proheme < Middle French < Latin, as above

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proem

After a moment or two, I said, “Well, some died in the war, and, if you read the proem carefully, you’ll recall that others died ‘through their own recklessness.’

From The New Yorker ● Apr. 17, 2017

With this bold proem, George R. Barnes, director of BBC's "Third Program,"*launched one of the boldest ventures in the history of broadcasting.

From Time Magazine Archive

The gorgeous proem, or introduction to the panorama, was then for the first time disclosed to the public.

From Round the Block by Bouton, John Bell

Ah me!" sounds the note of the proem to the second series, scornful and sad:— "Ah me!

From Robert Browning by Herford, C. H. (Charles Harold)

In a short proem the writer speaks of himself as ninety-nine years old.

From Character Writings of the 17th Century by Various