a. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Marked by procrastination or delay; tardy; slow; sluggish; -- said of actions or measures. [ 1913 Webster ] Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]
Dilatory plea (Law), a plea designed to create delay in the trial of a cause, generally founded upon some matter not connected with the merits of the case.
Syn. -- Slow; delaying; sluggish; inactive; loitering; behindhand; backward; procrastinating. See Slow. [ 1913 Webster ] | 