Word Origin
verb (used with object), rove or reeved, ro·ven or reeved, reev·ing. Nautical to pass (a rope or the like) through a hole, ring, or the like. to fasten by placing through or around something. to pass a rope through (the swallow of a block). Show More
Origin of reeve 2 1620–30; <
Dutch reven to reef; see
reef2 Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for roven English history the local representative of the king in a shire (under the ealdorman) until the early 11th century Compare sheriff (in medieval England) a manorial steward who supervised the daily affairs of the manor: often a villein elected by his fellows canadian government (in certain provinces) a president of a local council, esp in a rural area (formerly) a minor local official in any of several parts of England and the US Show More
Word Origin for reeve Old English gerēva ; related to Old High German ruova number, array
verb reeves , reeving , reeved or rove (rəʊv ) (tr) nautical to pass (a rope or cable) through an eye or other narrow opening to fasten by passing through or around something Show More
Word Origin for reeve C17: perhaps from Dutch rēven reef ²
the female of the ruff (the bird) Show More
Word Origin for reeve C17: of uncertain origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for roven n. "steward," Old English gerefa "king's officer," of unknown origin and with no known cognates. Not connected to German Graf (see margrave ). An Anglo-Saxon official of high rank, having local jurisdiction under a king. Cf. sheriff .
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
