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A school for the higher branches of literature and science; a preparatory school for the university; -- used esp. of German schools of this kind. More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than universities. Hallam.

An attachment to a sewing machine, for turning under the edge of a piece of fabric, preparatory to stitching it down.

(b) (Physiol.) One of the phases in a simple muscular contraction, in which invisible preparatory changes are taking place in the nerve and muscle. (c) (Biol.) One of those periods or resting stages in the development of the ovum, in which development is arrested prior to renewed activity.

lebration, to which none were admitted except those who had been initiated by certain preparatory ceremonies; -- usually plural; as, the Eleusinian mysteries.

Publicly or solemnly declaratory. [Obs.]

l off (Mil.), to divide and practice a regiment or company in the several formations, preparatory to marching to the general parade for field exercises. Farrow. -- To be well off, to be in good condition. -- To be ill off, To be badly off, to be in poor condition.

it. -- To smoke the pipe of peace, to smoke from the same pipe in token of amity or preparatory to making a treaty of peace, -- a custom of the American Indians.

ich 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.

That which makes ready, prepares the way, or introduces; a preparatory act or measure. I will show what preparations there were in nature for this dissolution. T. Burnet.

ding to prepare or make ready; having the power of preparing, qualifying, or fitting; preparatory. Laborious quest of knowledge preparative to this work. South.

First in order, as being preparatory to something higher; as, primary assemblies; primary schools.

The preliminary learning connected with any art or science; preparatory instruction.

er. -- Range of cable (Naut.), a certain length of slack cable ranged along the deck preparatory to letting go the anchor. -- Range work (Masonry), masonry of squared stones laid in courses each of which is of even height throughout the length of the wall; -- distinguished from broken range work, which consists of sq…

An examination of a region as to its general natural features, preparatory to a more particular survey for the purposes of triangulation, or of determining the location of a public work.

gth is equal a portion of a curve. Rectification of a globe (Astron.), its adjustment preparatory to the solution of a proposed problem.

velous convenient place for our rehearsal. Shak. Dress rehearsal (Theater), a private preparatory performance of a drama, opera, etc., in costume.

edy, or for the removal or abatement of an evil; as, remedial treatment. Statutes are declaratory or remedial. Blackstone. It is an evil not compensated by any beneficial result; it is not remedial, not conservative. I. Taylor.

ment. "Shaving of silver." Chaucer. Shaving brush, a brush used in lathering the face preparatory to shaving it.

Mud containing metallic ore, obtained in the preparatory dressing. Pryce.

To pass a rope round, as a cask, gun, etc., preparatory to attaching a hoisting or lowering tackle.