Spec"u*la*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. spéculatif, L. speculativus.] 1. Given
to speculation; contemplative.
The mind of man being by nature speculative.
Hooker.
2. Involving, or formed by, speculation; ideal; theoretical; not
established by demonstration. Cudworth.
3. Of or pertaining to vision; also, prying; inquisitive; curious. [R.]
Bacon.
4. Of or pertaining to speculation in land, goods, shares, etc.; as, a
speculative dealer or enterprise.
The speculative merchant exercises no one regular, established, or
well-known branch of business.
A. Smith.
-- Spec"u*la*tive*ly, adv. -- Spec"u*la*tive*ness, n.
Spec"u*la`tor (?), n. [L., a spy, explorer, investigator: cf. F.
spéculateur.] One who speculates. Specifically: (a) An observer; a
contemplator; hence, a spy; a watcher. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
(b) One who forms theories; a theorist.
A speculator who had dared to affirm that the human soul is by
nature mortal.
Macaulay.
(c) (Com.) One who engages in speculation; one who buys and sells
goods, land, etc., with the expectation of deriving profit from
fluctuations in price.
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