PRELIMINARY

Something which precedes, as preliminaries of peace, which are the first sketch of a treaty, and contain the principal articles on which both parties are desirous of concluding, and which are to serve as the basis of the treaty. Introductory; initiatory; preceeding; temporary and provisional; as preliminary examination, injunction, articles of peace, etc. Preliminary act. In English admiralty practice. A document stating the time and place of a collision between vessels, the names of the vessels, and other particulars, required to be filed by each solicitor in actions for damage by such collision, unless the court or a judge shall otherwise order. Wharton. Preliminary injunction. See INJUNCTION. Preliminary proof. In insurance. The first proof offered of a loss occurring under the policy, usually sent in to the underwriters with the notification of claim.