Da"tive (?), a. [L. dativus appropriate to giving, fr. dare to give. See 2d Date.]
1. Gram.
Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter object, and is generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
2. Law (a)
In one's gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office.
(b)
Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; -- said of an officer.
(c)
Given by a magistrate, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law.
Burril. Bouvier.
Dative executor, one appointed by the judge of probate, his office answering to that of an administrator.
© Webster 1913.
Da"tive, n. [L. dativus.]
The dative case. See Dative, a.,
1.
© Webster 1913.