Literally, drawing out or extending in time; hence, slow; late; tardy; applied to things; as dilatory councils or measures.

Given to procrastination; not proceeding with diligence; making delay; slow; late; applied to persons; as a dilatory messenger. A man is dilatory, when he delays attendance, or performance of business, beyond the proper time.

In law, intended to make delay; tending to delay; as a dilatory plea, which is designed or which tends to delay the trial of a cause.