"of the period before the date fixed for release," 1916, in reference to motion pictures, from pre- + release (n.). As a noun, "a film or record available on a limited basis before general release," by 1919. As a verb, "to release on a limited basis before the date fixed for release," by 1917 (implied in pre-released).
prepuce
prequel
Pre-Raphaelite
pre-record
pre-registration
pre-release
prerequisite
pre-revolutionary
prerogative
presage
presby-