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is of further argument; a condition; a supposition. The premises observed, Thy will by my performance shall be served. Shak.

Quickly; rapidly; -- a direction for a quick, lively movement or performance; quicker than allegro, or any rate of time except prestissimo.

One who procrastinates, or defers the performance of anything.

explanation of the order to be pursued, or the subjects embraced, in any public exercise, performance, or entertainment; a preliminary sketch. Programme music (Mus.), descriptive instrumental music which requires an argument or programme to explain the meaning of its several movements.

The preface or introduction to a discourse, poem, or performance; as, the prologue of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales;" esp., a discourse or poem spoken before a dramatic performance

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.

eclaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Gal. iii. 18.

Of or performance to roots, or the root of a plant.

A vocal or instrumental performance by one person; -- distinguished from concert; as, a song recital; an organ, piano, or violin recital.

eing admissible. Blackstone. -- To beat, or break, the record (Sporting), to surpass any performance of like kind as authoritatively recorded; as, to break the record in a walking match.

The act of rehearsing; recital; narration; repetition; specifically, a private recital, performance, or season of practice, in preparation for a public exhibition or exercise. Chaucer. In rehearsal of our Lord's Prayer. Hooker. Here's marvelous convenient place for our rehearsal. Shak. Dress rehearsal (Theater), a priv…

Release from a post, or from the performance of duty, by the intervention of others, by discharge, or by relay; as, a relief of a sentry. For this relief much thanks; ;tis bitter cold. Shak.

To refrain from exacting or enforcing; as, to remit the performance of an obligation. "The sovereign was undoubtedly competent to remit penalties." Macaulay.

f dots, placed before and after, or often only at the end of, a passage to be repeated in performance.

A dramatic performance; as, a theatrical representation; a representation of Hamlet.

Moderate in degree of excellence or in number; as, a respectable performance; a respectable audience. --Re*spect"a*ble*ness,n. -- Re*spect"a*bly, adv.

Renewed performance of, or interest in, something, as the drama and literature.

One in charge of the performances (as of horses) within the ring in a circus.

orrowed. Temple rubato. Etym: [It.] (Mus.) Borrowed time; -- a term applied to a style of performance in which some tones are held longer than their legitimate time, while others are proportionally curtailed.

Careful; cautious; exact; nice; as, scrupulous abstinence from labor; scrupulous performance of duties.