detractory, a.
(dɪˈtræktərɪ)
[ad. L. dētractōri-us disparaging, slanderous, f. dētractor: see prec. and -ory. Cf. OF. detractoire 15th c. in Godef.]
Tending to detract; depreciatory, disparaging, defamatory; = detractive 1.
| 1585 Parsons Chr. Exerc. ii. i. 157 An excuse most dishonourable and detractorie to the force of Christe hys grace. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. i. v. 17 This is not only derogatory unto the wisdome of God..but also detractory unto the intellect. 1712 Swift Art Political Lying, The detractory, or defamatory, is a lie which takes from a great man the reputation that justly belongs to him. 1805 Miniature No. 26 ¶3 Others..have divided them [lies] into the Additory, Detractory, and Translatory. |
b. Const. from: cf. detract v. 2, 3 c, detractive 2.
| 1648 Boyle Seraph. Love xx. (1700) 126, I use the expressions I find less detractory from a Theme, as much above our Praises, as the Heav'n..is above our Heads. |