overture

noun

1. an opening or initiating move toward negotiations, a new relationship, an agreement, etc.; a formal or informal proposal or offer: overtures of peace; a shy man who rarely made overtures of friendship.
2. Music.
   1. an orchestral composition forming the prelude or introduction to an opera, oratorio, etc.
   2. an independent piece of similar character.
3. an introductory part, as of a poem; prelude; prologue.
4. (in Presbyterian churches)
   1. the action of an ecclesiastical court in submitting a question or proposal to presbyteries.
   2. the proposal or question so submitted.

verb (used with object), o·ver·tured, o·ver·tur·ing.

5. to submit as an overture or proposal: to overture conditions for a ceasefire.
6. to make an overture or proposal to: to overture one’s adversary through a neutral party.

noun

1. music
   1. a piece of orchestral music containing contrasting sections that is played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio, often containing the main musical themes of the work
   2. a similar piece preceding the performance of a play
   3. Also called: concert overturea one-movement orchestral piece, usually having a descriptive or evocative title
   4. a short piece in three movements (French overture or Italian overture) common in the 17th and 18th centuries
2. (often plural) a proposal, act, or gesture initiating a relationship, negotiation, etc
3. something that introduces what follows

verb (tr)

4. to make or present an overture to
5. to introduce with an overture

n.mid-13c., “opening, aperture;” early 15c. as “an introductory proposal,” from Old French overture “opening; proposal” (Modern French ouverture), from Latin apertura “opening,” from aperire “to open, uncover” (see overt). Orchestral sense first recorded in English 1660s. A piece of music for instruments alone, written as an introduction to a longer work, such as an opera, an oratorio, or a musical comedy.