\Tar"dy\, 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.
         And check the tardy flight of time.   --Sandys.
         Tardy to vengeance, and with mercy brave. --Prior.
2. Not being inseason; late; dilatory; -- opposed to prompt;
   as, to be tardy in one's payments. --Arbuthnot.
         The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed.
                                               --Waller.
3. Unwary; unready. [Obs.] --Hudibras.
4. Criminal; guilty. [Obs.] --Collier.
Syn: Slow; dilatory; tedious; reluctant. See {Slow}.

\Tar"dy\, v. t.
To make tardy. [Obs.] --Shak.