\Pre*par"a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. pr['e]paratif.]
Tending to prepare or make ready; having the power of
preparing, qualifying, or fitting; preparatory.

      Laborious quest of knowledge preparative to this work.
                                               -- South.

\Pre*par"a*tive\, n.
1. That which has the power of preparing, or previously
   fitting for a purpose; that which prepares. ``A
   preparative unto sermons.'' --Hooker.

2. That which is done in the way of preparation. ``Necessary
   preparatives for our voyage.'' --Dryden.