I. ˈdōnəd.iv, ˈdän- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin donativum, from neuter of donativus, adjective, from donatus (past participle of donare to give as a gift, present, grant) + -ivus -ive — more at donation
1. : a special compensation or donation : premium , bounty
the doles and donatives which kept the populace and the army in good temper — R.M.French
2. : a donative benefice
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin donativus
1. : having the character or object of or being subject to donation
at the time of the transfer the deceased had full donative capacity
donative disposition of land
: vested or vesting by donation
a donative advowson
— opposed to presentative
2. : conferred upon a bishop or priest of the Church of England by the founder or patron without either presentation or institution by the ordinary or induction by his orders
donative benefices were abolished in 1898
• do·na·tive·ly -d.ə̇vlē, -li adverb