n. [ See Dilate. ]
adv. With delay; tardily. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality of being dilatory; lateness; slowness; tardiness; sluggishness. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. ]
Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]
Dilatory plea (Law),