First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
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>
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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-
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
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