prolegomenon

[ proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n ]

/ ˌproʊ lɪˈgɒm əˌnɒn, -nən /

noun, plural pro·le·gom·e·na [proh-li-gom-uh-nuh] /ˌproʊ lɪˈgɒm ə nə/.

a preliminary discussion; introductory essay, as prefatory matter in a book; a prologue.

Usually prolegomena. (sometimes used with a singular verb) a treatise serving as a preface or introduction to a book.

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Origin of prolegomenon

1645–55; < New Latin < Greek prolegómenon, neuter of passive present participle of prolégein to say beforehand, equivalent to pro- pro-² + légein to say (akin to lógos logos)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for prolegomena

These were the laws he had laid down in the Prolegomena to Æsthetics, which Rickman, in the insolence of his genius, had defied.
The Divine Fire|May Sinclair
The author of the Prolegomena to Æsthetics recoiled from "too much temperament."
The Divine Fire|May Sinclair
Kant, in his Prolegomena zu jeder knftigen Metaphysik, also refers to this fact, but for a different purpose.
Popular scientific lectures|Ernst Mach
The account in the Prolegomena, however, differs from that of the Doctrine of Method in one important respect.
Kant's Theory of Knowledge|Harold Arthur Prichard

This is in line with the passages from the Prolegomena commented upon above.
A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason'|Norman Kemp Smith

British Dictionary definitions for prolegomena

prolegomenon

/ (ˌprəʊlɛˈɡɒmɪnən) /

noun plural -na (-nə)

(often plural) a preliminary discussion, esp a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text

Derived Formsprolegomenal, adjective

Word Origin for prolegomenon

C17: from Greek, from prolegein, from pro- ² + legein to say

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for prolegomena

prolegomenon

1650s, "learned preamble to a book," from Greek prolegomenon, noun use of neuter passive present participle of prolegein "to say beforehand," from pro- "before" (see pro-) + legein "to speak" (see lecture (n.)) + suffix -menos (as in alumnus). The same sense is in preface (n.). Related: Prolegomenary; prolegomenous.