The spelling of the word "Mastives" is actually incorrect. The correct spelling is "Mastiffs" (/'mæstɪfs/). This word refers to a large breed of dog that is often used as a guard dog. The incorrect spelling may be a result of a typographical error or a mispronunciation of the word. It is important to use the correct spelling and pronunciation in order to effectively communicate and avoid confusion.
The word "Mastives" is derived from the Middle English word "mastif", which can be traced back to the Old French "mastin" or "matin". The Old French word itself has its roots in the Latin word "mansuetus", meaning "tame" or "domesticated". "Mastif" was used to refer to a type of large, powerful dog breed with a calm and docile temperament. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved into "mastiff" in modern English.