a. [f. L. festīv-us, f. festum a feast + -OUS.] = FESTIVE in all senses.
1654. Gayton, Pleasant Notes upon Don Quixot, page-heading, Festivovs Notes Vpon Don Quixot.
1654. J. Speed, Verses, ibid. ** 1 b. A magick circle of Festivous wit.
1665. Manley, Grotius’ Low C. Warres, 685. Superabundant and festivous Gratulations.
1782. W. F. Martyn, Geog. Mag., I. 67. Nor are the Georgians abstemious in the use of this precious liquor, they quaff large draughts of it daily, and on festivious occasions indulge in the most unbounded excess.
1829. Scott, Anne of G., xxx. She [the queen] lighted on an ambush, consisting of some pretty pageant, or festivous mummery, composed often by the good king himself.
1865. Spectator, 21 Jan., 70. Thanksgiving Day … is not regarded as a festival, and not very festivous.
