reeve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to RareArchaic/Historical, Technical (Nautical/Ornithology)
Quick answer
What does “reeve” mean?
1.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. A local official or chief magistrate in medieval England; 2. To thread or pass a rope, cable, or line through a pulley, ring, or other opening; 3. A female of the ruff (bird species Philomachus pugnax).
Historically, a steward or administrative officer with legal authority in a district (e.g., a sheriff was originally a 'shire-reeve'). In sailing and rigging contexts, the action of securing lines through blocks or fairleads. Also, the name for a female of a specific wading bird species whose male is known for elaborate mating displays.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage. The administrative sense is tied to English/British history. The nautical verb is used internationally. The bird sense is known in global ornithology.
Connotations
In historical contexts, connotes feudal administration and local justice. In nautical use, connotes precise seamanship.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English; primarily encountered in historical texts, nautical manuals, or birdwatching guides.
Grammar
How to Use “reeve” in a Sentence
[S] [V] [O] through [C] (Nautical: The sailor reeved the line through the block.)[S] [V] [O] (Historical: The king appointed a new reeve.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reeve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bosun instructed the crew to reeve the new mainsheet through the blocks.
- Before hoisting the sail, ensure the halyard is properly reeved.
American English
- You need to reeve the control line through that cam cleat.
- The old rope was too stiff to reeve easily through the small eye.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical studies (e.g., 'The role of the reeve in Anglo-Saxon governance'), and in specialized biology/zoology papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in nautical instructions and rigging manuals (e.g., 'Reeve the halyard through the sheave.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reeve”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reeve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reeve”
- Confusing 'reeve' (verb) with 'reef' (to reduce sail area).
- Pronouncing it as /riːv/ like 'reef' (/riːf/).
- Using the historical sense in modern contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. You will encounter it almost exclusively in historical texts, nautical contexts, or specialized ornithology.
A 'sheriff' is a contraction of 'shire-reeve', meaning the reeve (official) of a shire (county).
Primarily for ropes, cables, and lines in nautical/rigging contexts. Metaphorical use is very rare.
Link the historical meaning to 'official' (like a chief). Link the nautical meaning to 'weave' (threading a rope). The bird meaning is simply a specialist term.
1.
Reeve is usually archaic/historical, technical (nautical/ornithology) in register.
Reeve: in British English it is pronounced /riːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /riːv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a medieval 'REEVE' collecting taxes on Christmas EVE. Or, a sailor has to 'REEVE' a rope to 'LEAVE' the dock.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS AN OFFICE (historical), DIRECTING IS THREADING (nautical).
Practice
Quiz
In a nautical context, what does it mean to 'reeve' a line?