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Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude. Thus much may serve by way of proem. Swift.

A trial before the principal performance; a prelude; hence, an introductory essay or exercise. "Domestic prolusions." Thackeray. Her presence was in some measure a restraint on the worthy divine, whose prolusion lasted. Sir W. Scott.

To turn aside; to elude; to disappoint; to frustrate; to baffle. I hoped for a demonstration, but Themistius hoped to put me off with an harangue. Boyle. We might put him off with this answer. Bentley.

Like Don Quixote; romantic to extravagance; absurdly chivalric; apt to be deluded. "Feats of quixotic gallantry." Prescott.

To struggle against anything; to resist; to oppose. [Obs.] "To delude their reluctating consciences." Dr. H. More.

attentively noticing; notice or observation. The cause, though worth the search, may yet elude Conjecture and remark, however shrewd. Cowper.

able man or character; reputable conduct. In the article of danger, it is as reputable to elude an enemy as defeat one. Broome.

The act of deluding one's self, or the state of being thus deluded.

That which deceives expectation; any trick, fraud, or device that deludes and disappoint; a make-believe; delusion; imposture, humbug. "A mere sham." Bp. Stillingfleet. Believe who will the solemn sham, not I. Addison.

d respectively short slip, and long slip. To give one the slip, to slip away from one; to elude one. -- Slip dock. See under Dock. -- Slip link (Mach.), a connecting link so arranged as to allow some play of the parts, to avoid concussion. -- Slip rope (Naut.), a rope by which a cable is secured preparatory to slipp…

a. & p. p. of Sot. Befooled; deluded; besotted. [Obs.] "This sotted priest." Chaucer.

ieces all in the same key, mostly in various dance rhythms, with sometimes an elaborate prelude. Some composers of the present day affect the suite form.

strumental passage at the beginning or end, or in the course of, a vocal composition; a prelude, interlude, or postude; a ritornello.

of piece for the organ or harpsichord, somewhat in the free and brilliant style of the prelude, fantasia, or capriccio.

thing. "Expert when to advance, or stand, or, turn the sway of battle." Milton. Thrice I deluded her, and turned to sport Her importunity. Milton. My thoughts are turned on peace. Addison.