a. Obs.–1 [ad. L. type *vīsitātōri-us, f. vīsitāt-, ppl. stem of vīsitāre to visit: see -ORY.] = prec. 1 a.
1651. N. Bacon, Disc. Govt. Eng., II. xxvii. 208. It is a visitatory, or a reforming Power which is executed by inquiry of offences against Lawes established, and by executing such Lawes.
