derogatory

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Archived revision by 195.77.24.14 (talk) as of 07:59, 11 August 2004.
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Pronunciation

  • SAMPA: /dI"rQg@trI/

Adjective

  1. Tending to derogate, or lessen in value; expressing derogation; detracting; injurious; -- with from to, or unto.
    Acts of Parliament derogatory from the power of subsequent Parliaments bind not. --w:Blackstone.
    His language was severely censured by some of his brother peers as derogatory to their other. --w:Macaulay.

{Derogatory clause in a testament} (Law), a sentence of secret character inserted by the testator alone, of which he reserves the knowledge to himself, with a condition that no will he may make thereafter shall be valid, unless this clause is inserted word for word; -- a precaution to guard against later wills extorted by violence, or obtained by suggestion.