a. and sb. [ad. L. consōlātōri-us, f. consōlātor: see above and -ORY.]
A. adj. Tending, fitted, or designed to console; bringing consolation.
c. 1430. trans. T. à Kempis, III. xxi. (1890), 88. If þis lyve be onerouse and hevy, yette … hit is … muche more consolatory þen hit was sumtyme in the olde lawe.
1580. T. Hide (title), A Consolatorie Epistle to the afflicted Catholikes.
1631. Gouge, God’s Arrows, III. § 54. 284. Oft were the Disciples … comforted by Christs presence and consolatory speeches.
1763. Johnson, Lett. to Miss Porter, 12 April, in Boswell. I know not what to say to you condolent or consolatory.
1856. Sir B. Brodie, Psychol. Inq., I. iii. 93. This is to me a very acceptable and consolatory view of the subject.
1866. Mrs. Gaskell, Wives & Dau., I. 7. We shall go back to town on Friday … said Lady Agnes, in a consolatory tone.
† B. sb. ‘A speech or writing containing topicks of comfort’ (J.). Obs.
1654. Gayton, Pleas. Notes, IV. i. 171. [To] have the advantage of her care to convey his Consolatories, Suasories, etc.
1671. Milton, Samson, 657. Consolatories writ With studied argument, and much persuasion sought.
