a. [ Cf. F. rétentif. ] Having power to retain;
Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. That which retains or confines; a restraint. [ R. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. In a retentive manner. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The quality of being retentive. [ 1913 Webster ]