Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Dative

Dative , adjective

[Latin dativus appropriate to giving, from dare to give. See 2d Date.]

1.
(Grammar) Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter object, and is generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
2.
(a) (Law) In one's gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office.
(b)
(Law) Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; -- said of an officer.
(c)
(Law) Given by a magistrate, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law. — Burril. Bouvier
Collocations (1)
Dative executor , one appointed by the judge of probate, his office answering to that of an administrator.

Dative , noun

[Latin dativus.]

The dative case. See Dative, a., 1.