Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Precatory
{
Prec′a-tive
,Prec′a-to-ry
, }Adj.
Suppliant; beseeching.
Bp. Hopkins.
Precatory words
(Law)
, words of recommendation, request, entreaty, wish, or expectation, employed in wills, as distinguished from express directions; – in some cases creating a trust.
Jarman.
Definition 2024
precatory
precatory
English
Adjective
precatory (comparative more precatory, superlative most precatory)
- Expressing a wish.
- 1827, Sir Walter Scott, The Journal of Sir Walter Scott, "December 1827":
- December 8. . . . A precatory letter from Gillies. I must do Molière for him, I suppose; but it is wonderful that knowing the situation I am in, the poor fellow presses so hard.
- 1827, Sir Walter Scott, The Journal of Sir Walter Scott, "December 1827":
- (law) Expressing a wish but not creating any legal obligation or duty.
- precatory words in a will
Synonyms
- precative
- (law) aspirational