Pre*lim"i*na*ri*ly (?), adv. In a preliminary manner.
Pre*lim"i*na*ry (?), a. [Pref. pre + L. liminaris belonging to a
threshold, fr. limen, liminis, threshold, entrance: cf. F.
prÈliminaire. 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.