Tardy, a. [Compar. Tardier; superl. Tardiest.]
Etymology: [F. tardif, fr. (assumed) LL. tardivus, fr. L. tardus slow.]
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. Arbuthnot. The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed. Waller.
3. Unwary; unready. [Obs.] Hudibras.
4. Criminal; guilty. [Obs.] Collier.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Slow; dilatory; tedious; reluctant. See Slow.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Tardy, v. t.
To make tardy. [Obs.] Shak.