a. [ For vindicative, confused with L. vindicta revenge, punishment, fr. vindicare to vindicate. Cf. Vindicative. ] 1. Disposed to revenge; prompted or characterized by revenge; revengeful. [ 1913 Webster ]
I am vindictive enough to repel force by force. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Punitive. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Vindictive damages. (Law) See under Damage, n. [ 1913 Webster ]
-- Vin*dic"tive*ly, adv. -- Vin*dic"tive*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]