a. [ Cf. F. rétrospectif. ] 1. Looking backward; contemplating things past; -- opposed to prospective; as, a retrospective view. [ 1913 Webster ]
The sage, with retrospective eye. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Having reference to what is past; affecting things past; retroactive; as, a retrospective law. [ 1913 Webster ]
Inflicting death by a retrospective enactment. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv. By way of retrospect. [ 1913 Webster ]