Noah Webster
Incentive
INCEN'TIVE, adjective [Low Latin incentivus, from incendo, to burn.]
Inciting; encouraging or moving.
Competency is the most incentive to industry.
INCEN'TIVE, noun [Low Latin incentivum.]
1. That which kindles or inflames; used now in a figurative sense only.
2. That which moves the mind or operates on the passions; that which incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action; that which prompts to good or ill; motive; spur. The love of money, and the desire of promotion, are two most powerful incentives to action.