unreeve

American  

[uhn-reev] / ʌnˈriv /

verb (used with object)

unrove, unreeved, unroven, unreeved, unreeving

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

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verb (used without object)

unrove, unreeved, unroven, unreeved, unreeving

1. to unreeve a rope.

2. (of a rope) to become unreeved.

unreeve British  

/ ʌnˈriːv /

verb

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

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Etymology

Origin of unreeve

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

Example Sentences

Do you, Walter, make a rope fast round the bits; unreeve the fore halliards, they will suit best, and are new and strong.

From Captain Mugford Our Salt and Fresh Water Tutors by Holloway, W. Herbert

Jump down, all of you, and lend a hand and unreeve the halliards from the mast and bind her as tight as you can to the branches; pass the ropes under the thwarts.

From Captain Bayley's Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California by Paget, H. M. (Henry Marriott)

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

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

“You can unreeve the tops’l halyards,” replied the captain, quietly.

From Saved by the Lifeboat by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)

Now, then, unreeve y'r halyards! all clear there! pass the end for'd outside the rigging! outside! you fools!

From Moran of the Lady Letty by Norris, Frank