\Cos"tive\ (k?s"t?v), a. [OF. costev['e], p. p. of
costever, F. constiper, L. constipare to press closely
together, to cram; con- + stipare to press together, cram.
See {Stipulate}, {Stiff}, and cf. {Constipate}.]
1. Retaining fecal matter in the bowels; having too slow a
   motion of the bowels; constipated.
2. Reserved; formal; close; cold. [Obs.] ``A costive brain.''
   --Prior. ``Costive of laughter.'' --B. Jonson.
         You must be frank, but without indiscretion; and
         close, but without being costive.     --Lord
                                               Chesterfield.
3. Dry and hard; impermeable; unyielding. [Obs.]
         Clay in dry seasons is costive, hardening with the
         sun and wind.                         --Mortimer.