Tardy (?), 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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