Constructive \Con*struct"ive\, a. [Cf. F. constructif.]

1. Having ability to construct or form; employed in construction; as, to exhibit constructive power.

The constructive fingers of Watts. --Emerson.

2. Derived from, or depending on, construction or interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred.

Constructive crimes (Law), acts having effects analogous to those of some statutory or common law crimes; as, constructive treason. Constructive crimes are no longer recognized by the courts.

Constructive notice, notice imputed by construction of law.

Constructive trust, a trust which may be assumed to exist, though no actual mention of it be made.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)