A*bu"sive (#), a. [Cf. F. abusif, fr. L. abusivus.]

1.

Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied.

I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof. Fuller.

2.

Given to misusing; also, full of abuses.

[Archaic] "The abusive prerogatives of his see."

Hallam.

3.

Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage; as, an abusive author; an abusive fellow.

4.

Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous.

"An abusive lampoon."

Johnson.

5.

Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating.

[Obs.] "An abusive treaty."

Bacon.

Syn. -- Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling.

 

© Webster 1913.

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