civil law. The time allowed either by law or by agreement of the parties to do something. 2. The law allows a delay, for a party who has been summoned to appear, to make defence, to appeal; it admits of a delay during which and action may be brought, certain rights exercised, and the like. 3. By the agreement of the parties there may be a delay in the payment of a debt, the fulfillment of a contract. To retard; obstruct; put off; hinder; Interpose obstacles; as, when it is said that a conveyance was made to “hinder and delay creditors.”