prae-lūdo, si, sum, 3, v. a., to play beforehand, by way of practice or trial; to prelude, rehearse (post - Aug.).
I Lit.: Nero Pompeiano praeludit, sings beforehand , preludes , Plin. 37, 2, 7, § 19: tragoediis, Gell. 19, 11, 2.—With acc.: pugnam praeludere, to prepare one's self for fighting , Rut. Itin. 1, 257.—
II Trop.: aliquid operibus suis praeludere, to premise , preface , Stat. S. 1 praef.: ac Mariana quidem rabies intra Urbem praeluserat, quasi experiretur, had only made a prelude , Flor. 4, 2, 2: sic maria bello quasi tempestate praeluserant, id. 3, 6, 1.