unreeve

[uhn-reev]

verb (used with object)

unrove, unreeved, unroven, unreeved, unreeving. 

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

verb (used without object)

unrove, unreeved, unroven, unreeved, unreeving. 

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

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.

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

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

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Lower them down and let the falls unreeve, so that they will go adrift.

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

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