sportful

comparative more sportful · superlative most sportful

1. archaicplayful, merry

   A young fool, bent on sportful pursuits instead of serious; more and more shuddering at Law. To the surprise and indignation of M. Arouet Senior.

   1865, Thomas Carlyle, History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. X. (of XXI.)

   1 more example

   Then from his lofty stand on that high tree Down he alights among the sportful herd Of those four-footed kinds, himself now one, Now other, as their shape served best his end Nearer to view his prey, and, unespied, To mark what of their state he more might learn, By word or action marked.

   1667, John Milton, Paradise Lost

2. related to sport

   Is it like cudgel-playing or other sportful forms of bloodshed?

   1912, Thomas Hardy, The Return of the Native