1. formal letters or written messages, especially official communications
Usage: formal; often plural

Examples

• The ambassador received several urgent missives from the foreign ministry.
• Corporate headquarters sent out missives to all branch offices regarding the new policy.
• The general’s missives contained detailed battle plans for his commanders.
• She kept all the romantic missives her husband had written during the war.
• The king’s missives were delivered by mounted messengers throughout the realm.
• Legal missives arrived daily as the court case progressed.