Exordium \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.
   [1913 Webster]