Preliminary, a.
Etymology: [Pref. pre + L. liminaris belonging to a threshold, fr. limen, liminis, threshold, entrance: cf. F. préliminaire. 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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Preliminary, 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.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for preliminary; he lists it under previous.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.