Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Preparative \Pre*par"a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]paratif.]
   Tending to prepare or make ready; having the power of
   preparing, qualifying, or fitting; preparatory.

         Laborious quest of knowledge preparative to this work.
                                                  -- South.

Preparative \Pre*par"a*tive\, n.
   1. That which has the power of preparing, or previously
      fitting for a purpose; that which prepares. ``A
      preparative unto sermons.'' --Hooker.

   2. That which is done in the way of preparation. ``Necessary
      preparatives for our voyage.'' --Dryden.

Source : WordNet®

preparative
     adj : preceding and preparing for something; "preparatory steps"
           [syn: {preparatory}, {propaedeutic}]