Constructive (?), a. [Cf. F. constructif.]
1. Having ability to construct or form; employed in construction; as, “to exhibit constructive power”.
[1913 Webster]
The constructive fingers of Watts. Emerson.
[1913 Webster]
2. Derived from, or depending on, construction, inference, or interpretation; not directly expressed, but inferred.
[1913 Webster]
3. helpful; promoting improvement; intended to help; as, “constructive criticism; constructive suggestions”. Contrasted with destructive.
[PJC]
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.
[1913 Webster]