Main Entry:

sleeve

Pronunciation:

\ˈslēv\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English sleve, from Old English slīefe; perhaps akin to Old English slēfan to slip (clothes) on, slūpan to slip, Old High German sliofan, Latin lubricus slippery

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: a part of a garment covering an arm b: sleevelet2 a: a tubular part (as a hollow axle or a bushing) designed to fit over another part b: an open-ended flat or tubular packaging or cover ; especially : jacket 3c(2)

— sleeved \ˈslēvd\ adjective

— sleeve·less \ˈslēv-ləs\ adjective

— on one's sleeve

: in an honest and open manner —used with wear<wears his emotions on his sleeve>

— up one's sleeve

: held secretly in reserve <has a few tricks up her sleeve>