De-clīn'a-to-ry, a.

a. [L. Lat. declinatorius, from Lat. declinare; Fr. déclinatoire, Pr. declinatori, It. declinatorio.] Containing or involving a declination or refusal, as of submission to a charge or sentence. Blackstone.

Declinatory plea (O. Eng. Law), the plea of sanctuary or of benefit of clergy, before trial or conviction;—now abolished.