a. [f. as prec. + -ORY: cf. L. grātulātori-us, and F. congratulatoire.]
1. Conveying congratulations.
1524. Wolsey, in Fiddes, Life, II. (1726), 72. Letters congratulatory directed unto the Popes holyness.
1649. Bp. Guthrie, Mem. (1702), 92. The Earl of Loudon … made Congratulatory Speeches to his Majesty.
1713. Guardian, No. 66 (1756), I. 295. In many congratulatory words they applauded one another’s wit and power.
1868. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1876), II. vii. 17. Congratulatory embassies.
2. Ready or inclined to congratulate.
1885. Manch. Exam., 21 Jan., 5/2. The Manchester Academy of Fine Arts was in a congratulatory and cheerful mood at its annual meeting last night.
† 3. as sb. A congratulatory address. Obs.
1680. M. Livingston (title), Albion’s Congratulatory, or, a Poem upon the high and mighty Prince James his return into Scotland.
