\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.

\Da"tive\, n. [L. dativus.]
The dative case. See {Dative}, a., 1.