a. [ See Missive, n. ] 1. Specially sent; intended or prepared to be sent; as, a letter missive. Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Missile. “The missive weapons fly.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Letters missive, letters conveying the permission, comand, or advice of a superior authority, as a sovereign. They are addressed and sent to some certain person or persons, and are distinguished from letters patent, which are addressed to the public. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. lettre missive. See Mission, n. ] 1. That which is sent; a writing containing a message. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who is sent; a messenger. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]