Cōs'tive, a.

[Contracted from Sp. constipativo, It. costipativo, from Lat. constipare, to press closely together, to cram, from con and stipare, to press together, cram.]

1. Retaining fecal matter in the bowels; having the excrements obstructed, or the motion of the bowels too slow; constipated.
2. Unable or unwilling to give forth; reserved; formal; close; cold. [Obs.] “A costive brain.” Prior. “Costive of laughter.” “Costive of belief.”
3. Dry and hard. [Obs.] B. Jonson.

Clay in dry seasons is costive, hardening with the sun and wind. Mortimer.