Distinctive \Dis*tinc"tive\, a. [Cf. F. distinctif.]

1. Marking or expressing distinction or difference; distinguishing; characteristic; peculiar.

The distinctive character and institutions of New England. --Bancroft.

2. Having the power to distinguish and discern; discriminating. [Obs.]

--Sir T. Browne.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)