adj. Expressing a wish but not creating any legal obligation or duty.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Relating to prayer; being in the form of a prayer or supplication.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adj. expressing entreaty or supplication
Word Usage
"Siegfried called that wording "precatory" -- a suggestion -- and not mandatory, leaving open the possibility that the money could go out after the specified date."