a. Obs. [a. Fr. affectueux (14th c.), ad. L. affectuōs-us, f. affectus: see AFFECT sb.] Full of affection or ‘affect.’
1. Earnest in feeling or desire; eager, ardent, hearty.
1494. Fabyan, VI. clxxxv. 184. He was affectuse in his desyre.
1519. Sir T. Boleyn in Ellis, Orig. Lett., I. 53, I. 147. As harty and affectuous recommendacions from your Grace.
c. 1656. Bp. Hall (title), The great mystery of godliness laid forth by way of affectuous and feeling meditation.
2. Well disposed; loving, affectionate, tender.
1460. Capgrave, Chron., 152. That same Gilbert was ryth affectuous vnto the Heremites of Seynt Austin.
1575. Painter, Pal. Pleas., I. 206. Mine affectuous accentes, my sorowful words, and feruent sighes.
3. Emotional; moving the emotions.
1674. Playford, Skill of Musick, I. xi. 39. In some kind of Musick less Passionate and Affectuous … Points of Division may be used.
4. Influential, effective, successful. rare.
1674. Playford, Skill of Musick, I. xi. 43. I have found it to be a more affectuous way to Tune the Voice.
