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Webster 1913 Edition


Dilatory

Dil′a-to-ry

,
Adj.
[L.
dilatorius
, fr.
dilator
a delayer, fr.
dilatus
, used as p. p. of
differe
to defer, delay: cf. F.
dilatoire
. See
Dilate
,
Differ
,
Defer
.]
1.
Inclined to defer or put off what ought to be done at once; given the procrastination; delaying; procrastinating; loitering;
as, a
dilatory
servant
.
2.
Marked by procrastination or delay; tardy; slow; sluggish; – said of actions or measures.
Alva, as usual, brought his
dilatory
policy to bear upon his adversary.
Motley.
Syn. – Slow; delaying; sluggish; inactive; loitering; behindhand; backward; procrastinating. See
Slow
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Dilatory

DILATORY

,
Adj.
[L. See Delay and Dilate.]
1.
Literally, drawing out or extending in time; hence, slow; late; tardy; applied to things; as dilatory councils or measures.
2.
Given to procrastination; not proceeding with diligence; making delay; slow; late; applied to persons; as a dilatory messenger. A man is dilatory, when he delays attendance, or performance of business, beyond the proper time.
3.
In law, intended to make delay; tending to delay; as a dilatory plea, which is designed or which tends to delay the trial of a cause.

Definition 2024


dilatory

dilatory

English

Adjective

dilatory (not comparable)

  1. Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or defer decision.
    a dilatory strategy
    • Motley
      Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary.
  2. Slow or tardy.

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