De‐clin″a‐to‐ry (?; 277), a. [LL. declinatorius, fr. L. declinare: cf. F. déclinatoire.] Containing or involving a declination or refusal, as of submission to a charge or sentence. Blackstone.
Declinatory plea(O. Eng. Law), the plea of sanctuary or of benefit of clergy, before trial or conviction; — now abolished.