from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tardy \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.
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And check the tardy flight of time. --Sandys.
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Tardy to vengeance, and with mercy brave. --Prior.
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2. Not being inseason; late; dilatory; -- opposed to prompt;
as, to be tardy in one's payments. --Arbuthnot.
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The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed.
--Waller.
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3. Unwary; unready. [Obs.] --Hudibras.
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4. Criminal; guilty. [Obs.] --Collier.
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Syn: Slow; dilatory; tedious; reluctant. See {Slow}.
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