preliminary

preliminary adjective aforementioned, antecedent, anterior, beginning, coming before, early, exordial, former, inaugural, incipient, initial, initiatory, opening, original, preceding, precursive, precursory, preexisting, prefatory, preludial, prelusive, prelusory, preparative, preparatory, prevenient, previous, primary, prior, proemial, starting, trial
Associated concepts: preliminary agreement, preliminary hearing, preliminary injunction, preliminary notice, preeiminary plea, preliminary relief, preliminary restraining order

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See also: antecedent, before mentioned, inchoate, initial, last, original, overture, preceding, precursory, preparatory, previous, prior

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PRELIMINARY. Something which precedes, as preliminaries of peace, which are the first sketch of a treaty, and contain the principal articles on which both parties are desirous of concluding, and which are to serve as the basis of the treaty.