Declinatory plea

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Declinatory \De*clin"a*to*ry\ (?; 277), a. [LL. declinatorius,
   fr. L. declinare: cf. F. d['e]clinatoire.]
   Containing or involving a declination or refusal, as of
   submission to a charge or sentence. --Blackstone.
   [1913 Webster]

   {Declinatory plea} (O. Eng. Law), the plea of sanctuary or of
      benefit of clergy, before trial or conviction; -- now
      abolished.
      [1913 Webster]