WorldAugust 27, 2026

preamble

PREE-am-bul

Definition

An introductory statement in a legal or regulatory document that explains the document's purpose, background, or intent, but does not usually carry the same binding force as the regulatory text itself.

Etymology

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'preambulum,' meaning 'walking before,' combining the Latin 'pre-' (before) and 'ambulare' (to walk).

In the news

The article discusses how a 2013 regulatory preamble suggested a strict interpretation of retroactive reward payments that conflicted with the actual regulatory text, creating years of compliance uncertainty.

Federal agencies give employers enforcement relief on tobacco surcharge timing

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