unreeve

[ uhn-reev ]

verb (used with object)

, un·rove or un·reeved, un·ro·ven or un·reeved, un·reev·ing.

1. Nautical. to withdraw (a rope) from a block, thimble, etc.

verb (used without object)

, un·rove or un·reeved, un·ro·ven or un·reeved, un·reev·ing.

1. to unreeve a rope.
2. (of a rope) to become unreeved.

unreeve

/ ʌnˈriːv /

verb

1. nautical to withdraw (a rope) from a block, thimble, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of unreeve¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + reeve ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of unreeve¹

C17: from un- ² + reeve ²

Example Sentences

"The rope has swollen, sir, and the pendants won't unreeve," cried the middy in agony.

From Project Gutenberg

Be careful to unreeve the clewlines through the quarter-blocks.

From Project Gutenberg

Unreeve the halyards, or round them up to the block at the mast-head with a knot in their end.

From Project Gutenberg

To pass the end of a rope through any cavity or aperture, as the channel of a block; to unreeve is the opposite.

From Project Gutenberg

To unreeve the running part of top-sail sheets, &c., to let them run freely, or for harbour duty.

From Project Gutenberg