a. and sb. [ad. late L. exceptīv-us, f. except- ppl. stem of excipĕre: see EXCEPT v. Cf. OF. exceptif.] A. adj.
1. Logic, etc. a. Of a word, esp. a particle: That introduces an exception.
[a. 1249. W. Shyreswood, in Prantl, Gesch. Logik, III. 21. Postquam dictum est de signis et de dictionibus exceptivis …. convenienter dicendum est de hac dictione ‘solus.’]
1624. H. Mason, New Art of Lying, v. 84. That which this sentence doth deny of the Sonne, it doth by vertue of the exceptiue particle adioyned, affirme of the Father; No man, no nor the Sonne doth know it, but the Father.
1659. O. Walker, Instruct. Oratory (1682), 108 (T.). It is to be inferred … either by a Conjunction, Causal, Illative, Exceptive, &c.
1750. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Conjunction, Exceptive Conjunctions are, if it be not … unless that [etc.].
b. Of a proposition: That has a specified exception attached to the subject; e.g., Nothing on earth but man is great.
[a. 1347. W. Occam, in Prantl, Gesch. Logik, III. 409. Circa exceptivas est sciendum, quod ex omnibus exceptivis in prima figura non sequitur conclusio exceptiva.]
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 13/2. The proposition is not exceptiue, excluding other apostles.
1725. Watts, Logick, III. ii. § 4. 440. Exceptive Propositions will make such complex Syllogisms.
1870. Jevons, Elem. Logic, vii. 68. Exceptive propositions.
c. Of a clause, law, etc.: Making an exception, excepting something from a general rule.
1643. Milton, Divorce, II. v. (1851), 74. A dispensation … is rather a particular and exceptive law absolving and disobliging from a more general command.
1837. Lockhart, Scott (1839), VI. 37, note. The hostile critic selected for exceptive encomium one ‘old Jacobite strain.’
1856. Froude, Hist. Eng., I. 416. An exceptive clause introduced into the act.
1884. L. Peel, in Law Times, 7 June, 104/1. This is again the application of the exceptive distinction.
2. Of persons and their utterances: Disposed or tending to take exception; hypercritical, captious.
1621. W. Sclater, Tythes (1623), 197. His proceedings, though too too exceptiue, yet such as, being yeelded, inferred nothing against the Diuine ius for Tithing.
1858. Chamb. Jrnl., X. 280/2. Any exceptive persons who are not inclined to rest satisfied with appearances and authorities.
1861. Tulloch, Eng. Purit., iii. 374. His criticisms and expositions in many cases show his singularly exceptive and over-curious logic.
3. = EXCEPTIONAL.
1849. F. W. Newman, Soul, 168. This is … an exceptive case.
B. sb. [The adj. used absol.] Logic. An exceptive word or proposition. Cf. A. 1 a and b.
1563–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 20/2. Yet upon his exclusiues and negatiues, this exceptiue must needs be inferred.
1579. Fulke, Heskins’ Parl., 174. The scriptures that say Christ is in heauen, speake without exclusiues, or exceptiues.
1633. T. Adams, Exp. 2 Peter i. 10. 220. All these exceptives; But, notwithstanding, neverthelesse, are against us.
1864. Bowen, Logic, v. 145. These [Exponibles] are divided into Exclusives, Exceptives and Restrictives.
Hence Exceptively adv., in an exceptive manner or sense. Exceptivity, nonce-wd., readiness to make exceptions (from rules of conduct).
1609. J. Raynolds, Agst. Bellarmine (1610), 5. If the worde be taken exceptively, yet may it be an exception negative.
1621. W. Sclater, Tythes (1623), 39. They are exceptiuely or disiunctiuely only allotted.
1870. Helps, in Contemp. Rev., XV. 447. Milverton.… They do not know when to make the exceptions.
Ellesmere. Exceptivity (I like to coin a new word. It annoys the precise Milverton, and perplexes Cranmer), exceptivity requires so much moral courage.
