De*fect"ive (?), a. [L. defectivus: cf. F. défectif. See Defect.]
1.
Wanting in something; incomplete; lacking a part; deficient; imperfect; faulty; -- applied either to natural or moral qualities; as, a defective limb; defective timber; a defective copy or account; a defective character; defective rules.
2. (Gram.)
Lacking some of the usual forms of declension or conjugation; as, a defective noun or verb. -- De*fect"ive*ly, adv. -- De*fect"ive*ness, n.
© Webster 1913
De*fect"ive (?), n.
1.
Anything that is defective or lacking in some respect.
2. (Med.)
One who is lacking physically or mentally.
⇒ Under the term defectives are included deaf-mutes, the blind, the feeble-minded, the insane, and sometimes, esp. in criminology, criminals and paupers.
© Webster 1913