Pre*par"a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. préparatif.] Tending to prepare or make ready; having the power of preparing, qualifying, or fitting; preparatory.

Laborious quest of knowledge preparative to this work.

Pre*par"a*tive, n.

1. That which has the power of preparing, or previously fitting for a purpose; that which prepares. "A preparative unto sermons." Hooker.

2. That which is done in the way of preparation. "Necessary preparatives for our voyage." Dryden.