Pre*lim"i*na*ry (?), a. [Pref. pre + L. liminaris belonging to a threshold, fr. limen, liminis, threshold, entrance: cf. F. pr'eliminaire. Cf. Limit.] Introductory; previous; preceding the main discourse or business; prefatory; as, preliminary observations to a discourse or book; preliminary articles to a treaty; preliminary measures; preliminary examinations.
Syn. -- Introductory; preparatory; prefatory; proemial; previous; prior; precedent; antecedent.
© Webster 1913.
Pre*lim"i*na*ry, n.; pl. Preliminaries (). That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's preliminaries the year before entering college.
Syn. -- Introduction; preface; prelude.
© Webster 1913. | 
