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 ]

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

adv. As a gift. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]