D defs.my
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Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Missive

/mĭs'-ĭv/ · Mis·sive · IPA /ˈmɪsɪv/
01 a. Specially sent; intended or prepared to be sent; as, a letter missive.
  1. 1.
    Specially sent; intended or prepared to be sent; as, a letter missive.
  2. 2.
    Missile.
Phrases & compounds
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.
02 n. That which is sent; a writing containing a message.
  1. 1.
    That which is sent; a writing containing a message.
  2. 2.
    One who is sent; a messenger.[Obs.]