(Also more fully "pre-engaged starter motor") a starter motor in which activation of the solenoid causes a pinion to engage with the engine flywheel gearing before the full electric current flows.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in The Times.
Definition of pre-engaged starter in US English:
pre-engaged starter
noun
(Also more fully "pre-engaged starter motor") a starter motor in which activation of the solenoid causes a pinion to engage with the engine flywheel gearing before the full electric current flows.