What is the action taken to delay consideration of a main motion until the next meeting?

The action taken to delay consideration of a main motion until the next meeting is known as "postpone definitely." This parliamentary procedure allows a assembly to set aside a motion for a specified time, which is typically until the next scheduled meeting. By doing so, members can gather additional information, allow time for further discussion, or consider the matter when more members are present.

Using "postpone definitely" is important because it establishes a clear intent to revisit the issue at a later date, which provides structure and order to the meeting process. It is a formal way of saying that the discussion is not ended, but rather delayed for a future session.

Other options each represent different procedural actions: "table the motion" generally means to set aside discussion without a specified time for returning to it, which is not the same as postponement. "Suspension of rules" refers to temporarily setting aside specific rules of order, while "deferred action" is not a standard parliamentary term within Robert's Rules and often leads to ambiguity about when and if the matter will be discussed later.