I. ˈlejə̇ˌslā]d.]iv, ]t], ]ēv also -_slə] adjective
Etymology: legislat or + -ive
1. : having the power or performing the function of legislating
the legislative power may not rule by arbitrary decrees — J.H.Hallowell
a national constitutional convention is clearly a legislative body — M.O.Hudson
— compare administrative , executive , judicial
2.
a. : of or relating to a legislature
legislative committees
legislative clerk
legislative act
: composed of members of a legislature
legislative cabinet
legislative caucus
a presession legislative conference
b. : created by a legislature especially as distinguished from an executive or judicial body
legislative budget
legislative justice
c. : designed to assist a legislature or its members
legislative reference bureau
legislative research agency
3. : of, concerned with, or created by legislation
legislative advocate
legislative courts
legislative home rule
II. noun
( -s )
1. obsolete : the power and function of legislating
2. : the body or department exercising the power and function of legislating : legislature 1
the legislative cannot transfer the power of making laws to any other hands — John Locke
having both the executive and the legislative of the same party — Ellen D. Ellis
— compare administration , executive , judiciary