verb (used without object), tar·ried, tar·ry·ing.
- to remain or stay, as in a place; sojourn: He tarried in Baltimore on his way to Washington.
- to delay or be tardy in acting, starting, coming, etc.; linger or loiter.
- to wait.
verb (used with object), tar·ried, tar·ry·ing.
- Archaic. to wait for.
noun, plural tar·ries.
- a stay; sojourn.
verb -ries, -rying or -ried
- (intr) to delay in coming or going; linger
- (intr) to remain temporarily or briefly
- (intr) to wait or stay
- (tr) archaic, or poetic to await
noun plural -ries
- rare a stay
v.early 14c., “to delay, retard,” of uncertain origin. Some suggest a connection to Latin tardare “to delay,” or Old English tergan “to vex, irritate.” Intransitive meaning “to linger” is attested from late 14c.