\Re`tro*spec"tive\, a. [Cf. F. r['e]trospectif.]
1. Looking backward; contemplating things past; -- opposed to
   prospective; as, a retrospective view.
         The sage, with retrospective eye.     --Pope.
2. Having reference to what is past; affecting things past;
   retroactive; as, a retrospective law.
         Inflicting death by a retrospective enactment.
                                               --Macaulay.