A*bu"sive (#), a. [Cf. F. abusif, fr. L. abusivus.] 1. Wrongly used; perverted; misapplied.
I am . . . necessitated to use the word Parliament improperly, according to the abusive acceptation thereof.
Fuller.
2. Given to misusing; also, full of abuses. [Archaic] "The abusive prerogatives of his see."
Hallam.
3. Practicing abuse; prone to ill treat by coarse, insulting words or by other ill usage; as, an abusive author; an abusive fellow.
4. Containing abuse, or serving as the instrument of abuse; vituperative; reproachful; scurrilous. "An abusive lampoon."
Johnson.
5. Tending to deceive; fraudulent; cheating. [Obs.] "An abusive treaty."
Bacon.
Syn. -- Reproachful; scurrilous; opprobrious; insolent; insulting; injurious; offensive; reviling.
© Webster 1913. | 
