\Pu"ta*tive\, a. [L. putativus, fr. putare, putatum, to
reckon, suppose, adjust, prune, cleanse. See {Pure}, and cf.
{Amputate}, {Compute}, {Dispute}, {Impute}.]
Commonly thought or deemed; supposed; reputed; as, the
putative father of a child. ``His other putative (I dare not
say feigned) friends.'' --E. Hall.
      Thus things indifferent, being esteemed useful or
      pious, became customary, and then came for reverence
      into a putative and usurped authority.   --Jer. Taylor.