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1

reeve

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 and Etymology 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-

2

reeve

verb

Definition of reeve

rove play \ˈrōv\ or reeved; reeving
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

Origin and Etymology of reeve

origin unknown

3

reeve

noun

Definition of reeve

: the female of the ruff (sandpiper)

Origin and Etymology of reeve

origin unknown

Phrases Related to REEVE

Related Phrases

Learn More about reeve

  1. See words that rhyme with reeve Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reeve

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reeve

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