An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Preceding and leading up to the main part, matter, or business; introductory; preparatory (Dictionary.com).

Etymology (EN): From Fr. préliminaire, from M.L. praeliminaris, from L. prae- “before,” → pre-,

• limen “threshold.”

Etymology (PE): Pišâstâni, literally “before the threshold,” from piš, → pre-, + âstâni, of or pertaining to âstân, → threshold.