Definition of dative

• a. - Noting the case of a noun which expresses the remoter object, and is generally indicated in English by to or for with the objective.
• a. - In one's gift; capable of being disposed of at will and pleasure, as an office.
• a. - Removable, as distinguished from perpetual; -- said of an officer.
• a. - Given by a magistrate, as distinguished from being cast upon a party by the law.
• n. - The dative case. See Dative, a., 1.