E*lect"ive (?), a. [Cf. F. 'electif.]
1.
Exerting the power of choice; selecting; as, an elective act.
2.
Pertaining to, or consisting in, choice, or right of choosing; electoral.
The independent use of their elective franchise.
Bancroft.
3.
Dependent on choice; bestowed or passing by election; as, an elective study; an elective office.
Kings of Rome were at first elective; . . . for such are the conditions of an elective kingdom.
Dryden.
Elective affinity ∨ attraction Chem., a tendency to unite with certain things; chemism.
© Webster 1913.
E*lect"ive, n.
In an American college, an optional study or course of study.
[Colloq.]
© Webster 1913.