n. A contract preceding another, especially a contract of marriage which, according to the ancient law, rendered void a subsequent marriage solemnized in violation of it.
v. To contract prior to another process
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
v. To contract, engage, or stipulate previously.
verb-intransitive. To make a previous contract or agreement.
n. A contract preceding another.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
n. A previous contract or engagement; especially, a previous betrothal or contract of marriage.
To contract beforehand; bind or make over by a previous contract; particularly, to betroth before something else.
To form a previous contract; come to a previous arrangement or agreement.
Word Usage
"However, the Standard states that if such "precontract" costs are re - liably measurable and it is probable that the contract will be secured, then such costs are included as part of the overall contract cost."