a. [f. L. spoliāt-, ppl. stem of spoliāre (see SPOLIATE v.) + -ORY2.] Of the nature of, characterized by, spoliation or robbery; pillaging, plundering.
1790. Burke, Corr. (1844), III. 143. If I were to adopt the plan of a spoliatory reformation.
1813. J. C. Hobhouse, Journey (ed. 2), 290. The spoliatory taste of some amateurs.
1857. J. Raine, Mem. J. Hodgson, I. 60. It was dissolved by the first spoliatory statute.
1895. Daily Tel., 6 March, 7/1. To defend themselves … against spoliatory attack.
