Definition of "preparative"

preparative

/pɹəˈpæɹətɪv/

adjective
comparative more preparative, superlative most preparative
1. That serves to prepare something
2. preliminary or preparatory
noun
plural preparatives
1. Something to be done in preparation; a preliminary
  Quotations
  necessary preparatives for our voyage
  1695, C[harles] A[lphonse] du Fresnoy, translated by John Dryden, De Arte Graphica. The Art of Painting, […], London: […] J[ohn] Heptinstall for W. Rogers, […]
  a preparative unto sermons
  1594–1597, Richard Hooker, edited by J[ohn] S[penser], Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie, […], London: […] Will[iam] Stansby [for Matthew Lownes], published 1611, (please specify the page)
  All wars are boyish, and are fought by boys, / The champions and enthusiasts of the state: / Turbid ardors and vain joys / Not barrenly abate— / Stimulants to the power mature, / Preparatives of fate.
  1866, Herman Melville, Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War/The March into Virginia