Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NEG'A-TIVE, n.

1. A proposition by which something is denied; as, matter has not the power of moving itself.
2. A word that denies; as, not, no.
3. In legislation, the right or power of preventing the enaction of a law or decree. The governor has not a negative on the proceedings of the legislature, but each branch has a negative on the other. Negative pregnant, a negation of one thing, implying the affirmation of another.