a. and sb. [ad. assumed L. *abstractīvus, f. abstract-us: see ABSTRACT and -IVE.]
A. adj. Of abstracting character or tendency. a. Drawing back, withdrawing. b. Having the power of abstraction; performing the mental operation of abstraction. c. Epitomizing.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, xii. 47. Elysse was esprysed with brennyng loue towarde Enee, leuynge by dyspense abstractyue her first vowes of chastyte promysed.
1610. Healey, Aug. City of God, IX. xvi. 336. The wisest men in their greatest height of abstractiue speculation.
1668. Howe, Bl. of Righteous (1825), 92. How can we divide, in our most abstractive thoughts, the highest pleasures … from this dependence.
1859. W. Hamilton, Lect. on Metaph., II. xxxiv. 284. The human body … is thus itself a kind of abstractive machine. The senses cannot but abstract.
1862. Athenæum, 559/2. We should like to see Mr. Mill’s abstractive descriptions reprinted.
B. sb. Anything abstractive; spec. an abstractive writing, an abstract.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xxi. 67. These are the abstractiues taken out of larger discourses, whereof you may reade if you please, more in Hollinshead.
