interlocutory

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌɪntə(ɹ)ləˈkjuːtəɹi/

• Audio (Southern England):

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Adjective

interlocutory (not comparable)

1. Of or pertaining to dialogue or conversation.
   • 1821 January 8, [Walter Scott], chapter XVII, in Kenilworth; a Romance. […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), Edinburgh: […] Archibald Constable and Co.; and John Ballantyne, […]; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co., →OCLC:

     [A]s he passed through the crowded anterooms . . . never did Leicester return the general greeting with such ready and condescending courtesy. . . . For all the favourite Earl had a bow and smile at least, and often a kind word. . . . A few of Leicester's interlocutory sentences ran as follows:— "Poynings, good morrow; and how does your wife and fair daughter? . . ."

   • 1988 July 3, Armand White, “Arsenio Hall more relaxed in comedy with friend Eddy Murphy”, in Pittsburgh Press, retrieved 2 Nov. 2010, page B8:

     The 13-week stint Hall did on Fox Broadcasting's "The Late Show" last fall proved the impact of his interlocutory style.

2. Interjected into something spoken.
3. (law) Expressed during a legal action that awaits final decision.
4. (law) Of or pertaining to legal action that is temporary or provisional.

Derived terms

• interlocution

Noun

interlocutory (plural interlocutories)

1. (rare) A person engaged in a conversation, an interlocutor.
   • 1905, George Bernard Shaw, Major Barbara, act I:

     Lady Britomart is . . . well mannered and yet appallingly outspoken and indifferent to the opinion of her interlocutory.

2. Interpolated discussion or dialogue.