Plāint’ive, a.
a. [Fr. plaintif. See supra.]
Sense 1. Containing a plaint, or expression of sorrow; complaining.
To soothe the sorrows of her plaintive son. Dryden.
Sense 2. Hence, indicating painful emotion or grief; serious; sad.
Yet the most plaintive ditty has imparted a fuller joy to its composer. Landor.