a. [a. F. cogitatif, -ive (14th c. in Littré), ad. med.L. cōgitātīv-us: see COGITATE and -IVE.]
1. Having the power or faculty of thought; thinking (as a permanent attribute).
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, xxvii. (1890), 104. The swete balle of the eye whiche is … juge of the colours by reflection obgectyf, whiche she bryngeth vnto the Impression cogytyue of the entendement.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. In the myddle ventrycle is put the cogitatyfe and racyonall [vertue].
1594. T. B., La Primaud. Fr. Acad., II. 135. The cogitatiue or knowing soule.
1690. Locke, Hum. Und., IV. x. § 9. Sensible, thinking, perceiving Beings … which … we will hereafter call cogitative … Beings.
1847. Lewes, Hist. Philos. (1867), II. 309. Belief is more properly an act of the sensitive than of the cogitative part of our natures.
2. Given to cogitation; thoughtful, meditative.
1651. Reliq. Wotton., 16. The Earl had the closer and more reserved Countenance; being by nature somewhat more cogitative.
1670. G. H., Hist. Cardinals, II. II. 151. He is said to be very thoughtful and cogitative.
1865. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., VI. XX. iii. 68. That Column has stood cogitative.
1884. Gd. Words, May, 324/2. After a cogitative pause.
Hence Cogitatively adv., Cogitativeness.
1731. Bailey, Cogitatively, thoughtfully, considerately.
1888. M. Connor, Husband & Wife, I. x. 139. ‘What an admirable room for a study!’ pursued M. Flamant cogitatively.
1823. Blackw. Mag., XIII. 158. The bumps of cogitativeness and inquisitiveness.
