tarry
UK: ˈtɑːri | US: ˈtæri
vi. to delay or linger (often with reluctance)
vi. to stay temporarily; sojourn
adj. resembling or covered with tar
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The verb "tarry" (to delay) originates from Middle English tarien, likely influenced by Old French tarier (to delay), which may trace back to Latin tardare (to slow). The adjective form (resembling tar) directly combines "tar" (from Old English teoru) with the suffix -y, denoting a quality. The dual meanings reflect separate etymological paths converging in spelling.
The travelers decided to tarry at the inn for the night.
Don’t tarry too long, or we’ll miss the train.
The road was tarry after the summer heat melted the fresh pavement.
She chided him for tarrying over his decision.
The sailor’s boots were tarry from repairing the ship’s hull.