dilatory

From Middle English dilatorie, from Old French dilatoire,^[1] from Latin dīlātōrius (“extending or putting off (time)”), from dīlātor, from differō. Not etymologically related to delay.

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈdɪlət(ə)ɹi/
  • (rarely) IPA^(key): /daɪˈleɪt(ə)ɹi/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈdɪləˌtɔɹi/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

dilatory (not comparable)

1. Intentionally delaying (someone or something), intended to cause delay, gain time, or adjourn decision.

   a dilatory strategy

   • 1856, John Lothrop Motley, The Rise of the Dutch Republic. A History. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers, […], →OCLC:

     Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary with great effect.

2. Slow or tardy.

dilatory (not comparable)

1. Relating to dilation; dilative.

• venodilatory

• adroitly, idolatry