Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DON'A-TIVE, n. [Sp. and Ital. donativo; L. donativum, from dono, to give.]

1. A gift; a largess; a gratuity; a present; a dole. The Romans were entertained with shows and donatives. – Dryden.
2. In the canon law, a benefice given and collated to a person, by the founder or patron, without either presentation, institution, or induction by the ordinary. – Encyc.