diˈspensative, a. (n.)
[ad. L. dispensātīv-us, f. dispensā-re to dispense: see -ative. Cf. F. dispensatif, -ive (14th c. in Littré).]
† 1. Administrative, official; pertaining to the office of an administrator or steward. Obs.
| 1528 Roy Rede me (Arb.) 58 Though he have here soche prerogative, In all poyntes that be dispensative, To performe it by commyssion. 1633 Ames Agst. Cerem. ii. 307 Not only in the name of the wholle societie, which in suche cases hath some dispensative superioritie over particular members, but allso by Commission from God. 1637 R. Humfrey tr. St. Ambrose i. 21 People are drawne away from the office of dispensative mercy. 1656 Jeanes Fuln. Christ 34 There agreeth unto Christ a twofold power of Authority, essential, and official. 1. Essential or natural, which belongs unto him as God..2. Official, dispensative, or donative, delegated unto him as Mediatour, and head of his Church. |
2. Dispensing, giving dispensation; = dispensatory a. 2.
| 1621 Hakewill David's Vow vii. 270 Onely the dispensative power of the Lawgiver himself can possibly make it lawfull. 1687 Pol. Ballads (1860) I. 256 Knaves [that] would set up a Dispensative power, To pull down the Test unto which we have swore. 1738 Neal Hist. Purit. IV. 230 Dr. Barwick..proposed that his Majesty should grant his commission to the Bishops of each province..to elect and consecrate fit persons for the vacant sees, with such dispensative clauses as should be found necessary. |