Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DA'TIVE, a. [L. dativus, from do, to give.]

In grammar, the epithet of the case of nouns, which usually follows verbs that express giving, or some act directed to an object. Thus, datur tibi, it is given to you; missum est illi, it was sent to him; fecit mihi, he made or did to or for me; loquebatur illis, he spoke to them. It also follows other words expressing something to be given to a person, or for his benefit; as, utilis vobis, useful to you. In English, this relation is expressed by to or for. Dative executor, in law, one appointed by the judge of probate; an administrator.