| Preliminary | a. [ Pref. pre + L. liminaris belonging to a threshold, fr. limen, liminis, threshold, entrance: cf. F. préliminaire. 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Introductory; preparatory; prefatory; proemial; previous; prior; precedent; antecedent. [ 1913 Webster ] |
| Preliminary | 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Introduction; preface; prelude. [ 1913 Webster ] |