Prolegomenon (noun)
pro-le-gom-uh-non
A critical or discursive introduction to a book.
Mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek, passive present participle (neuter) of prolegein ‘say beforehand’, from pro ‘before’ + legein ‘say’.
Example sentences
“The essay was nothing but a length prolegomenon, designed to put you off reading the actual work.”
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