/pree truy"euhl, -truyl"/ , n.
1. a proceeding held by a judge, arbitrator, etc., before a trial to simplify the issues of law and fact and stipulate certain matters between the parties, in order to expedite justice and curtail costs at the trial.
adj.
2. of or pertaining to such a proceeding.
3. done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial: pretrial publicity.
[ 1935-40; PRE- + TRIAL ]