a. [ Cf. F. respectif, LL. respectivus. See Respect. ] 1. Noticing with attention; hence, careful; wary; considerate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] If you look upon the church of England with a respective eye, you can not . . . refuse this charge. A&unr_;p. Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Looking towardl having reference to; relative, not absolute; as, the respective connections of society. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Relating to particular persons or things, each to each; particular; own; as, they returned to their respective places of abode. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Fitted to awaken respect. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Rendering respect; respectful; regardful. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] With respective shame, rose, took us by the hands. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ] With thy equals familiar, yet respective. Lord Burleigh. [ 1913 Webster ] |