n. [ L. sportula a little basket, a gift, dim. of sporta a basket: cf. F. sportule. ] A charitable gift or contribution; a gift; an alms; a dole; a largess; a sportula. [ Obs. ] Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Tending to, engaged in, or provocative of, sport; gay; frolicsome; playful; merry. [ 1913 Webster ]

Is it I
That drive thee from the sportive court? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

-- Sport"ive*ly, adv. -- Sport"ive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]