[pree-trahy-uh
l, -trahyl] 
| 1. | 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. |
| 2. | of or pertaining to such a proceeding. |
| 3. | done, occurring, etc., prior to a trial: pretrial publicity. |
| pre·tri·al (prē-trī'əl, -trīl') n. A proceeding held before an official trial, especially to clarify points of law and facts. adj.
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