Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Prelude \Pre*lude"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Preluded}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Preluding}.] [L. praeludere, praelusum; prae before +
   ludere to play: cf. F. pr['e]luder. See {Ludicrous}.]
   To play an introduction or prelude; to give a prefatory
   performance; to serve as prelude.

         The musicians preluded on their instruments. --Sir. W.
                                                  Scott.

         We are preluding too largely, and must come at once to
         the point.                               --Jeffrey.