D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Preparatory

/prĭp-ĕr'-ət-ôrˌ-ē/ · Pre·par·a·to·ry · IPA /ˈpɹɛp(ə)ɹətɔɹi/
01 a. Preparing the way for anything by previous measures of adaptation; antecedent and adapted to what follows; introductory; preparative; as, a…
  1. 1.
    Preparing the way for anything by previous measures of adaptation; antecedent and adapted to what follows; introductory; preparative; as, a preparatory school; a preparatory condition.