interlocutory

American  

[in-ter-lok-yuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˌɪn tərˈlɒk yəˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

1. of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation.

   interlocutory instruction.

2. interjected into the main course of speech.

3. Law.

   1. pronounced during the course of an action, as a decision; not finally decisive of a case.

   2. pertaining to an intermediate decision.

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interlocutory British  

/ ˌɪntəˈlɒkjʊtərɪ, -trɪ /

adjective

1. law pronounced during the course of proceedings; provisional

   an interlocutory injunction

2. interposed, as into a conversation, narrative, etc

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of dialogue

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Other Word Forms

• interlocutorily adverb

Etymology

Origin of interlocutory

From the Medieval Latin word interlocūtōrius, dating back to 1580–90. See interlocutor, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

The Supreme Court held that neither it nor the circuit court had the power to hear the case on “interlocutory appeal,” or before trial.

From Los Angeles Times

Judge Anthony Chan on Wednesday granted the government permission to appeal against his previous ruling, but insisted the grant of an interlocutory injunction banning the song is a matter for the court to decide.

From Seattle Times

“The underlying motions for interlocutory relief along with any additional, dispositive motions shall be assigned to a three-Judge panel of this Court following expiration of the response time provided in the Civil Rules.”

From Seattle Times

When Mr. Harvey lost a pretrial motion, his lawyers filed what is known as an interlocutory appeal with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver.

From Washington Post

“No court has ever approved the government’s use of torture as a tool in discovery litigation” or as “a legitimate means of facilitating a court’s interlocutory fact-finding.”

From New York Times