Re′tro‐spec″tive (?), a. [Cf. F. rétrospectif.] 1. Looking backward; contemplating things past; — opposed to prospective; as, a retrospective view.
The sage, with retrospective eye. Pope.
2. Having reference to what is past; affecting things past; retroactive; as, a retrospective law.
Inflicting death by a retrospective enactment. Macaulay.