prolegomenon

 
Pronunciation: /ˌprəʊlɪˈgɒmɪnən/

noun (plural prolegomena)

  • a critical or discursive introduction to a book: a prolegomenon to the second part the prolegomena to the enquiry

Derivatives

prolegomenous

adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century: via Latin from Greek, passive present participle (neuter) of prolegein 'say beforehand', from pro 'before' + legein 'say'