Preliminary \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.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Introduction; preface; prelude.
[1913 Webster]