\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}.