permissive (permisiv)

[= F. per mi if Sp. permisivo = Pg. permi ivo = It. permi ivo, perme ivo, For neither man nor angel can discern Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks Invisible, except to God alone, By his permi ive will, through heaven and earth. Milton , P. L., iii. 685. The whole purpose and spirit of the proclamation is per mi ive and not mandatory. The Century , XXXVIII. 415. 2. Permitted; unhindered; that may or may not be done or left undone; at the option of the individual, community, etc.; optional; not obligatory or mandatory. [Rare.] Thus I embolden'd spake, and freedom used Permi ive , and acceptance found. Milton, P. L., viii. 435. Permi ive bill, a measure embodying the principles of local option as to licenses to sell intoxicating liquors. The bill was introduced periodically in the British Parliament, but without succe ; it has therefore been dropped, and its principles advocated under the name local option (which see, under local ). - Permi ive laws, such laws as permit certain persons to have or enjoy the use of certain things, or to do certain acts. Permi ive waste. See waste. permi ively (per-mis'iv-li), adv. By permi ion or allowance; without prohibition or hindrance.