prolusion

 
Pronunciation: /prəˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/

noun

archaic or formal
  • a preliminary action or event; a prelude.
  • a preliminary essay or article.

Origin:

early 17th century: from Latin prolusio(n-), from prolus- 'practised beforehand', from the verb proludere, from pro 'before' + ludere 'to play'