Pēn'sīve, a.
a. [Fr. pensif, Pr. pensiu, It. pensivo, from Fr. penser, Pr. pensar, pessar, Sp. & Pg. pensare, It. pensare, to think or reflect, from pensare, to weigh, ponder, consider, v. intens. from pendere, to weigh.]
Sense 1. Thoughtful, sober, or sad; employed in serious reflection; given to earnest or melancholy musing. “The pensive secrecy of desert cell.” Milton.
Anxious cares the pensive nymph oppressed. Pope.
Sense 2. Expressing thoughtfulness with sadness; as, pensive numbers; pensive strains. Prior.