infinitive

Etymology

From Middle French infinitif, from Late Latin infinitivus (“unlimited, indefinite”), from Latin infinitus (“unlimited, infinite”).

noun

1. (grammar) The infinitive mood or mode (a grammatical mood).
   The MANNERS of acting, in grammar called modes or moods, are four; Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, Subjunctive or Conjunctive. 1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 69
   There are four moods, the Infinitive, Imperative, Indicative, and Subjunctive. … the Infinitive is used to express a thing in a general manner. 1857, Henry Tindall, A grammar and vocabulary of the Namaqua-Hottentot language, page 38
2. (grammar) A non-finite verb form considered neutral with respect to inflection; depending on language variously found used with auxiliary verbs, in subordinate clauses, or acting as a gerund, and often as the dictionary form.
3. (grammar) A verbal noun formed from the infinitive of a verb.

adj

1. (grammar) Formed with the infinitive.
   INFINITIVE MOOD or MANNER. To Have, Avoir. 1847, J. J. P. Le Brethon, L. Sandier, Guide to the French language; especially devised for persons who wish to study that language without the assistance of a teacher. the tenth edition, revised and corrected, London, page 70
   In English there are four moods:–1. The Infinitive Mood. 2. The Indicative Mood. 3. the Imperative Mood. 4. The Subjunctive Mood. 1858, C. P. Mason, English grammar; including the principles of grammatical analysis, London, page 32
2. Unlimited; not bounded or restricted; undefined.
   […] to search out in some higher region of infinitive space a spot where it was impossible for defilement to follow them […] a. 1823, Cunningham's Sermons (quoted in 1823, The Edinburgh Christian Instructor, volume 23, page 328)