The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Preliminary \Pre*lim"i*na*ry\, n.; pl. Preliminaries.
   That which precedes the main discourse, work, design, or
   business; something introductory or preparatory; as, the
   preliminaries to a negotiation or duel; to take one's
   preliminaries the year before entering college.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Introduction; preface; prelude.
        [1913 Webster]