prolegomenous

[proh-li-gom-uh-nuhs]

adjective

1. prefatory; preliminary; introductory.

2. characterized by unnecessary or lengthy prologuizing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prolegomenous¹

First recorded in 1740–50; prolegomen(on) + -ous

Example Sentences

The book nevertheless shows signs, not of failure but of fatigue, perhaps 327 of haste—a circumstance heightened by the absence of those “prolegomenous” chapters over which the author had lingered so lovingly in Tom Jones.

From Project Gutenberg

Seventh Grader Joel Montgomery coolly rapped out pastiche, prolegomenous, successfully spelled susurrus when Bobby shakily tiubbed it.

From Time Magazine Archive

He believed that he foresaw a "new Province of Writing," of which he regarded himself with justice as the founder and lawgiver; and in the "prolegomenous, or introductory Chapters" to each book—those delightful resting-spaces where, as George Eliot says, "he seems to bring his arm-chair to the proscenium and chat with us in all the lusty ease of his fine English"—he takes us, as it were, into his confidence, and discourses frankly of his aims and his way of work.

From Project Gutenberg

As we are now entering upon a book in which the course of our history will oblige us to relate some matters of a more strange and surprizing kind than any which have hitherto occurred, it may not be amiss, in the prolegomenous or introductory chapter, to say something of that species of writing which is called the marvellous.

From Project Gutenberg