Effective \Ef*fect"ive\, n. The serviceable soldiers in a country; an army or any military body, collectively; as, France's effective.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Effective \Ef*fect"ive\, n.

1. That which produces a given effect; a cause. --Jer. Taylor.

2. One who is capable of active service.

He assembled his army -- 20,000 effectives -- at Corinth. --W. P. Johnston.

3. [F. effectif real, effective, real amount.]

(Com.) Specie or coin, as distinguished from paper currency; -- a term used in many parts of Europe. --Simmonds.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Effective \Ef*fect"ive\, a. [L. effectivus: cf. F. effectif.]

Having the power to produce an effect or effects; producing a decided or decisive effect; efficient; serviceable; operative; as, an effective force, remedy, speech; the effective men in a regiment.

They are not effective of anything, nor leave no work behind them. --Bacon.

Whosoever is an effective, real cause of doing his heighbor wrong, is criminal. --Jer. Taylor.

Syn: Efficient; forcible; active; powerful; energetic; competent. See Effectual.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)