The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Tardy \Tar"dy\, a. [Compar. Tardier; superl. Tardiest.] [F.
   tardif, fr. (assumed) LL. tardivus, fr. L. tardus slow.]
   1. Moving with a slow pace or motion; slow; not swift.
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            And check the tardy flight of time.   --Sandys.
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            Tardy to vengeance, and with mercy brave. --Prior.
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   2. Not being inseason; late; dilatory; -- opposed to prompt;
      as, to be tardy in one's payments. --Arbuthnot.
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            The tardy plants in our cold orchards placed.
                                                  --Waller.
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   3. Unwary; unready. [Obs.] --Hudibras.
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   4. Criminal; guilty. [Obs.] --Collier.
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   Syn: Slow; dilatory; tedious; reluctant. See Slow.
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