A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Dilatour, Dilator, a. and n.1 Also: dylatour, dilatore, -ter. [L. dīlātōr-ius, -ium. Cf. Delatour a.]
1. adj. With exception, defence, etc.: Causing delay, esp. in an action at law.1458 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 325.
Quhilke assise procedit … to determin the said cause but ony excepcioune dilatour or peremptour proponit 1481 Fam. Rose 146.
All fravd, giell, dilator exceptione posponit and ovttayne 1503 Acts II. 242/1.
That thare sall be na exception dylatouris admittit again the summondis, it beand lauchtfully indorsate 1557 Acta Cur. Admir. 38.
To gif in his declinatouris and dilatour defensis in writ 1571 Bann. Memor. 194.
Maister Caise receauet his ansuer dilatore fra the castles behalfe 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Breve.
Gif he proponis ony relevant exception, declinatour, dilatour, or peremptour Id. Reg. Maj. 104.
Gif the partie defendand will not vse any exception or defence dilatour 1617 Crim. Trials III. 423.
The pannell proponit dyuerse exceptiones dilatour and peremptour 1639 Baillie I. 202.
The answer he receaved from the Toune was a dilator, till the State … did consider of his demands
2. n. a. A delay, esp. in giving a legal decision. (Cf. Delatour n.2 2 b.)1473 Rymer Foedera XI. 789.
Withoutyn any dilatour or delais 1560 Rolland Seven S. 10666.
To ȝour justice I wald ȝe gaue command, To giue sentence but dilatouris fra hand 1589 Sutherland Chart. 158.
Proces to be summarlie deducit thairvpoun, but delay, continewatioune or dilatour
b. A dilatory exception or defence.1492 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 63.
To eschew greitt trubill and daynger that hes bene sustenit … be calangears quhilkis accept thame to the court of processis and dilatour 1518 Fife Sheriff Ct. 108.
He had perseuit the same detfully as efferyt and was … deferryt tharfra be the said lady with dilatouris c1552 Lynd. Mon. 5771.
That day sall pas be peremptoris, Without cawteill or dilatoris 1651 Inverness Presb. 217.
The presbyterie … conceive all of them to be wsing dilaters (1681) Lauder Observes 39.
The judges … repelled and overruled the forsaid dilator
