n. [ L. donatio; cf. F. donation. ] 1. The act of giving or bestowing; a grant. [ 1913 Webster ]

After donation there is an absolute change and alienation of the property of the thing given. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is given as a present; that which is transferred to another gratuitously; a gift. [ 1913 Webster ]

And some donation freely to estate
On the bless'd lovers. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) The act or contract by which a person voluntarily transfers the title to a thing of which be is the owner, from himself to another, without any consideration, as a free gift. Bouvier. [ 1913 Webster ]

Donation party, a party assembled at the house of some one, as of a clergyman, each one bringing some present. [ U.S. ] Bartlett.

Syn. -- Gift; present; benefaction; grant. See Gift. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. Donatisme. ] (Eccl. Hist.) The tenets of the Donatists. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. Donatista: cf. F. Donatiste. ] (Eccl. Hist.) A follower of Donatus, the leader of a body of North African schismatics and purists, who greatly disturbed the church in the 4th century. They claimed to be the true church. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to Donatism. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. donativum, fr. donare: cf. F. donatif. See Donate. ] 1. A gift; a largess; a gratuity; a present. “The Romans were entertained with shows and donatives.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eccl. Law) A benefice conferred on a person by the founder or patron, without either presentation or institution by the ordinary, or induction by his orders. See the Note under Benefice, n., 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Vested or vesting by donation; as, a donative advowson. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]