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greave

American  
[greev] / griv /

noun

Armor.
  1. a piece of plate armor for the leg between the knee and the ankle, usually composed of front and back pieces.


greave British  
/ ɡriːv /

noun

  1. (often plural) a piece of armour worn to protect the shin from the ankle to the knee

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • greaved adjective

Etymology

Origin of greave

1300–50; Middle English greves (plural) < Old French < ?

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The second room is focused on archaeological tomb discoveries, including the bronze head of Seuthes, the silver greave and the gold wreath.

From Los Angeles Times

The safety was excused from the team, with the coach wanting Reaves to take time to greave.

From Washington Times

A very fine drawing on blue paper, lent from the Met, shows the care he lavished on the plate armor: soft ripples of the chain mail, a shimmer of light on the greaves.

From New York Times

He trotted up and down the ranks, his plumed helmet gleaming, his legs decked in bronze greaves.

From Literature

Dingell asked the president to stop his attacks and allow her to greave her husband in peace during the first holiday season following his death.

From Washington Post