1. suffering from constipation
Usage: medical; formal
2. slow to act or speak; reluctant
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• The patient complained of feeling costive for several days.
• A high-fiber diet can help prevent becoming costive.
• The doctor recommended more fluids for the costive condition.
• He was costive with his praise, rarely complimenting anyone.
• Her costive nature made it difficult to get her opinion on matters.
• The costive witness was reluctant to testify in court.