Middle English Dictionary Entry
prēamble n.
Entry Info
| Forms | prēamble n. Also -bel, -bul, -bile. |
| Etymology | OF prëamble, preambule & ML prēambulum. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
An introduction, a prologue, preface; also, introductory material or remarks.
Associated quotations
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.831 : Now dame..so haue I ioye or blis, This is a long preamble [vrr. preambel; parable] of a tale.
- c1450(?a1402) *?Trev.Reg.Princ.(Dgb 233)4a/a : After certeyn preambul forseid thinges that beth nedeful to this purpos.
- (1451) Capgr.St.Gilb.(Add 36704)62/24 : This is þe preamble or elles þe prologe of Seynt Gilbertis lif.
- c1460 Lydg.ST (Roy 18.D.2)vol.2, p.56 : In this preambile shortly is comprihendid A Mery conseyte of Iohn lydgate.
- a1500(a1449) Lydg.Haste (Cmb Kk.1.6)156 : A goode begynnynge requireth a good issu, A good preamble a good conclusyon.