dative

Etymology

From Latin datīvus (“appropriate for giving”), itself from datus (the past participle of dō (“I give”)) + -īvus (“-ive”).

adj

1. (grammar) Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter or indirect object, generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
2. (obsolete, law) In one’s gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office or other privilege.
3. (obsolete, law) Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; — said of an officer.
4. (obsolete, law) Given by a judge, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law itself.
5. (sciences) Formed by two electrons contributed by one atom; see dative bond.
6. (mathematics, obsolete) Given in advance; not needed to be calculated.

noun

1. (grammar) The dative case.
2. (grammar) A word inflected in the dative case.