Preform definitions

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

PREFORM', v.t. [pre and form.] To form beforehand.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

v
1: form into a shape resembling the final, desired one
2: form or shape beforehand or determine the shape of beforehand

Merriam Webster's

transitive verb Etymology: Latin praeformare, from prae- + formare to form, from forma form Date: 1601 1. to form or shape beforehand 2. to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size • preform noun

Oxford Reference Dictionary

v.tr. form beforehand. Derivatives: preformation n.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Preform Pre*form", v. t. [L. praeformare. See Pre-, and Form.] To form beforehand, or for special ends. ``Their natures and preformed faculties. '' --Shak.