Dilatory, a synonym for "delaying," comes from the Latin past participle of the word for "defer," or "submit," as in a bureaucracy, where every question is referred to someone else, endlessly. Not, then, to be used as a synonym for "dawdling," nor even "procrastination." See: DAWDLE, PROCRASTINATOR.

using cautious slow strategy to wear down opposition; avoiding direct confrontation; "a fabian policy"

causing delay, repetitive

Designed to cause delay.

Intended to delay. Detailed description