Definitions for: Dilatory


[adj] using cautious slow strategy to wear down opposition; avoiding direct confrontation; "a fabian policy"
[adj] wasting time
[adj] inclined to waste time and lag behind



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

Synonyms: cautious, dawdling, fabian, laggard, pokey, poky, slow, unpunctual

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