prolegomenon
[proh-li-gom-uh-non, -nuh n]
- 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
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for prolegomenon
Historical Examples
The play, one feels, must remain unique, for the prolegomenon cannot be rewritten while the philosophy is unchanged.
G. K. Chesterton, A Critical StudyJulius West
The miscellanies really stand to the novels in the relation of a sort of prolegomenon.
BalzacFrederick Lawton
prolegomenon
- (often plural) a preliminary discussion, esp a formal critical introduction to a lengthy text
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Word Origin
C17: from Greek, from prolegein, from pro- ² + legein to say
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for prolegomenon
n.
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.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper