PRELIMINARY
Pre*lim"i*na*ry, n.; pl. Preliminaries (.
Defn: 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.
PRELIMIT
Pre*lim"it, v. t.
Defn: To limit previously. [R.]
PRELOOK
Pre*look", v. i.
Defn: To look forward. [Obs.] Surrey.
PRELUDE Pre"lude, n. Etym: [F. prélude (cf. It. preludio, LL. praeludium), fr. L. prae before + ludus play. See Prelude, v. t.]
Defn: An introductory performance, preceding and preparing for the principal matter; a preliminary part, movement, strain, etc.; especially (Mus.), a strain introducing the theme or chief subject; a movement introductory to a fugue, yet independent; — with recent composers often synonymous with overture. The last Georgic was a good prelude to the Ænis Addison. The cause is more than the prelude, the effect is more than the sequel, of the fact. Whewell.
Syn. — Preface; introduction; preliminary; preamble; forerunner; harbinger; precursor.