Obs. [a. obs. F. tardance (1307 in Godef.), f. tarder TARDE v.: see -ANCE.] Delaying, delay. Also + Tardancy (-ency).
1595. Q. Eliz. & Levant Co. (1904), 53. Whose [ambassador] playnly excuseth the tardance thereof by reason that his maysters treasury … is exhausted.
1632. Whetstone of Reproofe, Correction of faultes. As also he will conniue his tardance in the publication of the worke, which if it had not incountered vnimagined impediments might haue appeared manie monethes paste.
1635. J. Hayward, trans. Biondi’s Banish’d Virg., 227. If any tardance of mine bee the occasion of your Highnesse sufferings.
1654. Cokaine, Dianea, IV. 340. Dorcone arrived just upon that time there, when tardency could not but be perilous.
