a. Obs. [f. L. consult-, ppl. stem of consul-ĕre to counsel, advise + -IVE.]
1. Having the function of counselling or consulting; deliberative, consultative.
1616. Brent, trans. Sarpi’s Hist. Counc. Trent (1676), 371. He [the Pope] would name unto them the persons to be promoted to the Cardinality … that they having a consultive voyce, might put to his consideration what was for the good of the Church.
1640. Canterb. Self-Convict., 122. The Princes voice is decisive, the voice of all the rest at most but consultive.
1659. Fuller, App. Inj. Innoc., II. v. 68. I distinguish betwixt a consultive [ed. 1840, consultative], conclusive, and punitive power in matters of Religion.
1823. Southey, Hist. Penins. War, I. 330. To have a consultive voice in all matters relating to the colonies.
2. Active in counsel or consultation.
a. 1679. T. Goodwin, Wks., IV. IV. 158 (R.). He therefore hath been most consultive about the effecting of this.
3. Done of set purpose, advised, intentional.
1651. Jer. Taylor, Serm. for Year, I. ii. 25. Not by any deliberate, consultive, knowing act.
4. nonce-use. Skilled or versed in a subject. [L. consultus.]
1675. Sir E. Sherburne, trans. Manilius, Pref. 11. He [Manilius] was a Poet most consultive in Philosophy.
