1 reeve | Definition of reeve
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reeve

noun (1)
\ ˈrēv How to pronounce reeve (audio) \

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 How to pronounce rove (audio) \ 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)

First Known Use of reeve

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1600, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1610, in the meaning defined above

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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More from Merriam-Webster on reeve

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with reeve

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about reeve

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