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tardy

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. The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed. (waller)

3. Unwary; unready.

4. Criminal; guilty.

Synonym: slow, dilatory, tedious, reluctant. See Slow.

Origin: F. Tardif, fr. (assumed) LL. Tardivus, fr. L. Tardus slow.