a. [ Cf. F. préparatif. ] Tending to prepare or make ready; having the power of preparing, qualifying, or fitting; preparatory. [ 1913 Webster ]

Laborious quest of knowledge preparative to this work. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ 1913 Webster ]

1. That which has the power of preparing, or previously fitting for a purpose; that which prepares. “A preparative unto sermons.” Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is done in the way of preparation. “Necessary preparatives for our voyage.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. By way of preparation. [ 1913 Webster ]