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Definition of precatory - 3 dictionary results

prec⋅a⋅to⋅ry

  [prek-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee]
Use precatory in a Sentence
–adjective
of, pertaining to, characterized by, or expressing entreaty or supplication: precatory overtures.
Also, prec⋅a⋅tive  [prek-uh-tiv] .

Origin:
1630–40; < LL precātōrius, equiv. to L precā(rī) to pray, entreat + -tōrius -tory 1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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prec·a·to·ry   (prěk'ə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē)   
adj.  Relating to or expressing entreaty or supplication.

[Late Latin precātōrius, from Latin precārī, to entreat; see precarious.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: prec·a·to·ry
Pronunciation: 'pre-k&-"tOr-E
Function: adjective
: expressing a wish or desire but not creating a legal obligation or affirmative duty precatory remark> precatory words>
NOTE: When interpreting wills, courts will look to whether a direction is precatory or mandatory in carrying out the testator's intent. Thus, courts generally will not construe language to create a trust if the language is only precatory and there is no evidence that the language was intended to create a trust. Words such as with the hope that or it is my wish that are often considered precatory.
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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