reeve

¹reeve

noun \ˈrēv\

Definition of REEVE

1

: a local administrative agent of an Anglo-Saxon king

2

: a medieval English manor officer responsible chiefly for overseeing the discharge of feudal obligations

3

a : the council president in some Canadian municipalities

b : a local official charged with enforcement of specific regulations <deer reeve>

Origin of REEVE

Middle English reve, from Old English gerēfa, from ge- (associative prefix) + -rēfa (akin to Old English -rōf number, Old High German ruova) — more at co-

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with REEVE

breve, cleave, eave, eve, Eve, greave, grieve, heave, leave, lief, peeve, reave, reive, scrieve, sheave, sleeve, steeve, thieve, weave

²reeve

verb

rove \ˈrōv\ or reevedreev·ing

Definition of REEVE

transitive verb

1

: to pass (as a rope) through a hole or opening

2

: to fasten by passing through a hole or around something

3

: to pass a rope through

intransitive verb

of a rope : to pass through a block or similar device

Origin of REEVE

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1627

³reeve

noun

Definition of REEVE

: the female of the ruff (sandpiper)

Origin of REEVE

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1634