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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.

Tending 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.

finder. -- 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 o…

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.

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

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

strument. "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.

the parts, to avoid concussion. -- Slip rope (Naut.), a rope by which a cable is secured preparatory to slipping. Totten. -- Slip stopper (Naut.), an arrangement for letting go the anchor suddenly.

A machine for combining and drawing fibers of flax to form a sliver preparatory to spinning.

To appear in court. Burrill. Stand by (Naut.), a preparatory order, equivalent to Be ready. -- To stand against, to opposite; to resist. -- To stand by. (a) To be near; to be a spectator; to be present.

s suitable to the end of their institutions, either theology or something that was merely preparatory to theology. A. Smith.

-- To grow up, to grow to maturity. -- Up anchor (Naut.), the order to man the windlass preparatory to hauling up the anchor. -- Up and down. (a) First up, and then down; from one state or position to another. See under Down, adv. Fortune . . . led him up and down. Chaucer.

Anything moved with a whirl, as preparatory for a blow, or to augment the force of it; -- applied by poets to the cestus of ancient boxers. The whirlbat and the rapid race shall be Reserved for Cæsar. Dryden.