Dil"a*to*ry (?), 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.

2.

Marked by procrastination or delay; tardy; slow; sluggish; -- said of actions or measures.

Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon hi adversary. Motley.

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.

© Webster 1913.