prologue

n.
1. introduction to a performance开场白，引子。
△As.5.3.12 (11): “Shall we clap into't roundly,withouthawking or spitting or saying we are hoarse,whichare the only(i.e. only the) prologues to a bad voice?”我们是否马上就唱起来，不用咳嗽、吐痰、说喉咙有点吵哑等不过是为坏嗓子打圆场的老一套？
2. one who speaks the prologue to play or makes theintroductory speech念开场白的人，报幕的演员。
△Mid.5.1.106: “So please your Grace,the Prologue is ad-dressed.”启禀殿下，念开场白的已经准备好了。
△H.V.1.Prol.0.s.d.:“Enter Prologue. ”说开场白的演员（报幕的演员）上场。(按：Prologue又作Chorus，“剧情解说人”。)

prologue[ˈprəulɔg]

n.序言，序幕
‖ prologue in some modern novels楔子