RESPECT'IVE, adjective 1. Relative; having relation to something else; not absolute; as the respective connections of society. 2. Particular; relating to a particular person or thing. Let each man retire to his respective place of abode. The officers were found in their respective quarters; they appeared at the head of their respective regiments. Let each give according to his respective proportion. 3. Worthy of respect. [Not in use.] 4. Careful; circumspect; cautious; attentive to consequences; as respective and wary men. [Not in use.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI