WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Mis"sive
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [See Missive, n.]
Definition : 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.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Mis"sive
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. lettre missive. See Mission, n.]
Definition : 1. That which is sent; a writing containing a message.

2. One who is sent; a messenger. [Obs.] Shak.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913