pretrial

[ pree-trahy-uh l, -trahyl ]
/ priˈtraɪ əl, -ˈtraɪl /

noun

a proceeding held by a judge, arbitrator, etc., before a trial to simplify the issues of law and fact and stipulate certain matters between the parties, in order to expedite justice and curtail costs at the trial.

adjective

of or relating to such a proceeding.
done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial: pretrial publicity.

Origin of pretrial

First recorded in 1935–40; pre- + trial

Words nearby pretrial

pretonic, pretor, pretoria, pretorius, pretreat, pretrial, prettify, pretty, pretty as a picture, pretty much, pretty penny, a

Example sentences from the Web for pretrial