What is "dilatory plea"

Dilatory \Dil"a*to*ry\, a. [L. dilatorius, fr. dilator a delayer, fr. dilatus, used as p. p. of differe to defer, delay: cf. F. dilatoire. See Dilate, Differ, Defer.]

1. Inclined to defer or put off what ought to be done at once; given the procrastination; delaying; procrastinating; loitering; as, a dilatory servant.

2. Marked by procrastination or delay; tardy; slow; sluggish; -- said of actions or measures.

   Alva, as usual, brought his dilatory policy to bear upon his adversary.
   --Motley.

   Dilatory plea (Law), a plea designed to create delay in the trial of a cause, generally founded upon some matter not connected with the merits of the case.

   Syn: Slow; delaying; sluggish; inactive; loitering; behindhand; backward; procrastinating. See Slow.

n. a plea that delays the action without settling the cause of action; it can challenge the jurisdiction or claim disability of the defendant etc. (such defenses are usually raised in the defendant's answer)