ˈprefəˌtōrē, -tȯr-, -ri adjective
Etymology: Latin praefatus (past participle of praefari to say beforehand) + English -ory — more at preface
1. : of, relating to, or constituting a preface : introductory , preliminary
prefatory statement
2. : located in front
a broad prefatory arch to the main apse — A.W.Clapham