dative
    n 1: the category of nouns serving as the indirect object of a
         verb [syn: dative, dative case]

Dative \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.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
          [1913 Webster]

   Dative executor, one appointed by the judge of probate, his
      office answering to that of an administrator.
      [1913 Webster]

Dative \Da"tive\, n. [L. dativus.]
   The dative case. See Dative, a., 1.
   [1913 Webster]

DATIVE. That which may be given or disposed of at will and pleasure. It 
sometimes means that which is not cast upon the party by the law, or by a 
testator, but which is given by the magistrate; in this sense it is that 
tutorship is dative, when the tutor is appointed by the magistrate. Lec. 
Elem. Sec. 239; Civ. Code of L. art. 288, 1671.