— preparatorily , adv.
/pri par"euh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee, -pair"-, prep"euhr euh-/ , adj.
1. serving or designed to prepare: preparatory arrangements.
2. preliminary; introductory: preparatory remarks.
3. of or pertaining to training that prepares for more advanced education.
adv.
4. preparatory to , in advance of; before: The astronauts met with the press preparatory to lifting off.
[ 1375-1425; late ME praeparatorius. See PREPARE, -TORY 1 ]