a. [ Compar. Tardier superl. Tardiest. ] [ F. tardif, fr. (assumed) LL. tardivus, fr. L. tardus slow. ] 1. Moving with a slow pace or motion; slow; not swift. [ 1913 Webster ]
And check the tardy flight of time. Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ]
Tardy to vengeance, and with mercy brave. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Not being inseason; late; dilatory; -- opposed to prompt; as, to be tardy in one's payments. Arbuthnot. [ 1913 Webster ]
The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Unwary; unready. [ Obs. ] Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Criminal; guilty. [ Obs. ] Collier. [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Slow; dilatory; tedious; reluctant. See Slow. [ 1913 Webster ]