Pre*lim"i*na*ry (?), 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.
Syn. -- Introductory; preparatory; prefatory; proemial;
previous; prior; precedent; antecedent.
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.
