Vin*dic"tive (?), a. [For vindicative, confused with L. vindicta revenge, punishment, fr. vindicare to vindicate. Cf. Vindicative.]
1.
Disposed to revenge; prompted or characterized by revenge; revengeful.
I am vindictive enough to repel force by force.
Dryden.
2.
Punitive.
[Obs.]
Vindictive damages. Law See under Damage, n.
-- Vin*dic"tive*ly, adv. -- Vin*dic"tive*ness, n.
© Webster 1913.