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Fig.: A sketch of any scheme; a preliminary or general indication of a plan, system, course of thought, etc.; as, the outline of a speech. But that larger grief . . . Is given in outline and no more. Tennyson.

A consultation preliminary to a treaty.

A preliminary examination of a criminal case with reference to a prosecution. Erskine.

A previous or antecedent condition; a preliminary condition.

se, or written as introductory to a book or essay; a proem; an introduction, or series of preliminary remarks. This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise. Shak. Heaven's high behest no preface needs. Milton.

A preliminary inquiry and determination about something which belongs to a matter in dispute.

In a preliminary manner.

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 wa…

Previously required; necessary as a preliminary to any proposed effect or end; as, prerequisite conditions of success.

A preliminary course or publication; -- used esp. in the titles of elementary works.

Preface; introduction; preliminary observations; prelude. Thus much may serve by way of proem. Swift.

Introductory; prefatory; preliminary. [R.] Hammond.

rsued, or the subjects embraced, in any public exercise, performance, or entertainment; a preliminary sketch. Programme music (Mus.), descriptive instrumental music which requires an argument or programme to explain the meaning of its several movements.

Of the nature of a prolegomenon; preliminary; introductory; prefatory.

A preliminary remark or observation; an introductory discourse prefixed to a book or treatise. D. Stokes (1659). Sir W. Scott.

Specifically, one who sets on foot, and takes the preliminary steps in, a scheme for the organization of a corporation, a joint- stock company, or the like.

Of, pertaining to, or conveying, preliminary instruction; introductory to any art or science; instructing beforehand.

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

A syllogism preliminary or logically essential to another syllogism; the conclusion of such a syllogism, which becomes a premise of the following syllogism.

A preliminary document upon the basis of which negotiations are carried on.