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preamble definition

pre·amble (prē′am′bəl, prē am′-)

noun

  1. an introduction, esp. one to a constitution, statute, etc., stating the reasons for it and its purpose
  2. an introductory fact, event, etc.; preliminary

Etymology: ME < MFr preambule < ML praeambulum, neut. of LL praeambulus, going before < L praeambulare, to precede < prae-, before + ambulare, to go: see amble

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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