See Also: overture(dictionary)
overture(encyclopedia)
overture(dictionary)

overture (iou)



overture noun & verb. LME.
[Old French (mod. ouverture) from Latin apertura APERTURE, infl. by French ouvrir open.]
A. noun.
An aperture, an orifice, a hole. LME-M18.
An opening of negotiations towards some proceeding or settlement; a formal proposal or offer. Usu. in pl. LME.
W. S. Maugham She repelled the overtures of friendship. F. Astaire I..made overtures to them about releasing me from my coming options.
The disclosure of information about something; a revelation; a declaration. M16-M17.
a. Scottish History. A proposal for consideration by a legislative body; spec. a bill placed before the Scottish Parliament for enactment. M16.
b. Ecclesiastical. A formal motion proposing or calling for legislation, presented to the supreme court of a Presbyterian Church. L16.
(An) overturning of something, (an) overthrow. M16-M17.
A beginning, a commencement; fig. a first indication or hint of something. L16-E18.
A favourable situation or opportunity. E17-M18.
Music. An orchestral piece opening or introducing (and freq. based on themes from) an opera or other extended composition; a one-movement composition in this style. M17.
C. Ives Let him..try to put that glory into an overture..chuck-full of Scotch tunes.
The opening or introductory part of a poem. L19.
b. verb trans.
gen. Offer as a suggestion or proposal; propose (that). rare. M17.
Ecclesiastical.
a. Present as an overture to the supreme court of a Presbyterian Church. L17.
b. Present as an overture to (the supreme court of a Presbyterian Church). M19.
Music. Introduce as with an overture or prelude. L19.