noun
- gifts or donations, especially those given by a ruler or government to subjects or soldiers
Usage: historical; formal
Examples
- The emperor distributed donatives to his loyal troops after the victory.
- Roman soldiers expected donatives upon the accession of a new emperor.
- The king’s donatives to the poor helped maintain his popularity.
- Historical records show substantial donatives were given during coronations.
- The general promised donatives to boost morale among his men.
- Ancient rulers used donatives as a form of political currency.