reeve

noun (1)

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\ ˈrēv

Definition of reeve

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

3a : the council president in some Canadian municipalities

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

reeve

verb

rove\ ˈrōv

\ or reeved; reeving

Definition of reeve (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to pass (something, such 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

reeve

noun (2)

Definition of reeve (Entry 3 of 3)

: the female of the ruff (sandpiper)

History and Etymology for reeve

Noun (1)

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-

Verb

origin unknown

Noun (2)

origin unknown

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reevaporation

reeve

Reeve's pheasant

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Cite this Entry

“Reeve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reeve. Accessed 25 May. 2022.

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reeve

Definition of reeve

First Known Use of reeve

History and Etymology for reeve

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The first known use of reeve was before the 12th century

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