In manual switchboard operations, operations intended to ensure equitable distribution of the time of one or more lines among groups of call originators. Note: An example of delay working is the withdrawing of one or more lines from general use and placing them under the control of a delay operator so that when other operators book call demands on tickets, the tickets can be passed to the delay operator for connection in the order in which they are booked. See trunk delay working. See also call delay,  call originator,  connection,  line,  switchboard.