from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Costive \Cos"tive\ (k?s"t?v), a. [OF. costev['e], p. p. of
costever, F. constiper, L. constipare to press closely
together, to cram; con- + stipare to press together, cram.
See {Stipulate}, {Stiff}, and cf. {Constipate}.]
1. Retaining fecal matter in the bowels; having too slow a
motion of the bowels; constipated.
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2. Reserved; formal; close; cold. [Obs.] "A costive brain."
--Prior. "Costive of laughter." --B. Jonson.
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You must be frank, but without indiscretion; and
close, but without being costive. --Lord
Chesterfield.
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3. Dry and hard; impermeable; unyielding. [Obs.]
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Clay in dry seasons is costive, hardening with the
sun and wind. --Mortimer.
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