missive

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

missive
    n 1: a written message addressed to a person or organization;
         "mailed an indignant letter to the editor" [syn: {letter},
         {missive}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Missive \Mis"sive\, 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]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Missive \Mis"sive\, a. [See {Missive}, n.]
   1. Specially sent; intended or prepared to be sent; as, a
      letter missive. --Ayliffe.
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   2. Missile. "The missive weapons fly." --Dryden.
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   {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]