a. [f. as prec. + -ORY: cf. F. compensatoire.] Having the function of compensating; affording compensation.
1601–2. Fulbecke, 1st Pt. Parall., 8. Gifts … called Compensatorie, because they are giuen for some cause or consideration.
1802. Paley, Nat. Theol. (1804), 397. Another instance of the compensatory system is in the autumnal crocus.
1838. De Morgan, Ess. Probab., 142. That the effect of successive lapses … shall be compensatory of each other.
1875. Whitney, Life Lang., iv. 51. With compensatory prolongation of the preceding vowel.
