Definition of: preamble

(prē′am·bəl) noun
1. A statement introductory to and explanatory of what follows; the introductory portion of a writing or speech: used chiefly of formal resolutions.
2. Law An introductory clause in a constitution, contract, or other instrument. [<F préamble <Med. L praeambulum, orig. neut. of L praeambulus walking before <L praeambulare precede <prae- before + ambulare walk]
—pre·am′bu·lar′y adjective