[ ˌmɒrə'tɔ:rɪəm ]
■ noun ( plural ~s or moratoria -rɪə )
1》 a temporary prohibition of an activity.
2》 Law a legal authorization to debtors to postpone payment.
Origin
C19: mod. L., neut. (used asnoun) of late L. moratorius 'delaying', from L. morat- , morari 'delay'.