Ap-pre-hĕn’sive, a.

adjective

a. [Fr. appréhensif, Pr. apprehensive. See supra.]

Sense 1. Capable of apprehending, or quick to do so; apt. [Rare.] “Apprehensive scholars.” Holder.

Sense 2. Knowing; conscious; cognizant. [Obs.]

A man that has spent his younger years in vanity and folly, and is, by the grace of God, apprehensive of it. Bp. Taylor.

Sense 3. Fearful; in expectation of evil.

They are not at all apprehensive of evils at a distance. Tillotson.

Sense 4. Suspicious; inclined to believe; as, I am apprehensive he does not understand me.

Sense 5. Sensible; feeling; perceptive. [Rare.]

Thoughts, my tormentors, armed with deadly stings, Mangle my apprehensive, tenderest parts. Milton.