Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Missive
1.
Specially sent; intended or prepared to be sent;
as, a letter
. missive
Ayliffe.
2.
Missile.
“The missive weapons fly.” Dryden.
Letters missive
, letters conveying the permission, comand, or advice of a superior authority, as a sovereign. They are addressed and sent to some certain person or persons, and are distinguished from letters patent, which are addressed to the public.
1.
That which is sent; a writing containing a message.
2.
One who is sent; a messenger.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Missive
MIS'SIVE
,Adj.
1.
Thrown or sent, or such as may be sent; as a missive weapon.MIS'SIVE
,Noun.