\Ex*or"di*um\ (-[u^]m), n.; pl. E. {Exordiums}
(-[u^]mz), L. {Exordia} (-[.a]). [L. fr. exordiri to begin a
web, lay a warp, begin; ex out + ordiri to begin a web,
begin; akin to E. order. See {Order}.]
A beginning; an introduction; especially, the introductory
part of a discourse or written composition, which prepares
the audience for the main subject; the opening part of an
oration. ``The exordium of repentance.'' --Jer. Taylor.
``Long prefaces and exordiums. '' --Addison.