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Webster 1913 Edition
Retroactive
Reˊtro-act′ive
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
rétroactif
.] Fitted or designed to retroact; operating by returned action; affecting what is past; retrospective.
Beddoes.
Retroactive law
or
Retroactive statute
(Law)
, one which operates to make criminal or punishable, or in any way expressly to affect, acts done prior to the passing of the law.
Webster 1828 Edition
Retroactive
RETROAC'TIVE
,Adj.
Operating by returned action; affecting what is past; retrospective.
A retroactive law or statute, is one which operates to affect, make criminal or punishable, acts done prior to the passing of the law.