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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Initiative \In*i"ti*a*tive\, a. [Cf. F. initiatif.]
Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory;
preliminary.
[1913 Webster]


Initiative \In*i"ti*a*tive\, n. [Cf. F. initiative.]
1. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates
or begins.
[1913 Webster]

The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come.
--I. Taylor.
[1913 Webster]

2. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of
action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect
to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.
[1913 Webster]

3. (Political Science) The right or procedure by which
legislation may be introduced or enacted directly by the
people, as in the Swiss Confederation and in many of the
States of the United States; -- chiefly used with the. The
procedure of the initiative is essentially as follows:
Upon the filing of a petition signed by a required number
or percentage of qualified voters the desired measure must
be submitted to a popular vote, and upon receiving the
required majority (commonly a majority of those voting on
the measure submitted) it becomes a law. In some States of
the United States the initiative is only local; in others
it is state-wide and includes the making of constitutional
amendments.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]

4. a character trait manifested in a readiness and ability to
initiate action; an enterprising spirit; a go-getting
attitude; energy; drive; get-up-and-go.
[PJC]

5. in interactive activities, such as conversation or games,
the right or opportunity to set the course of action; as,
to have the initiative.
[PJC]