† diˈspensive, a. Obs.
[f. L. dispens- ppl. stem of dispendĕre (see dispend) + -ive.]
1. Characterized by or given to dispensing, spending, or distributing.
| 1627–47 Feltham Resolves i. liii. 167 To strow about the wealth and means, and to feed that dispensive humour. 1677 Crowne Destr. Jerus. iii. i, Dram. Wks. 1873 II. 270 This tempest comes from Heaven's dispensive hand. |
2. Subject to dispensation.
| 1590 Marlowe 2nd Pt. Tamburl. ii. i, 'Tis superstition To stand so strictly on dispensive faith. |
3. = dispensative, dispensatory.
| 1828 Westm. Rev. IX. 7 In 1671 the king began to assume his dispensive power. |