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reave

 - 4 dictionary results

reave

1  [reev]
Use reave in a Sentence
–verb (used with object), reaved or reft, reav⋅ing. Archaic.
to take away by or as by force; plunder; rob.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME reven, OE rēafian; c. G rauben, D roven to rob

reave

2  [reev]
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object), reaved or reft, reav⋅ing.
Archaic. to rend; break; tear.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME; appar. special use of reave 1 (by assoc. with rive )
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To reave
reave 1   (rēv)   
v.   reaved or reft (rěft), reav·ing, reaves Archaic

v.   tr.

  1. To seize and carry off forcibly.

  2. To deprive (one) of something; bereave.

v.   intr.
To rob, plunder, or pillage.

[Middle English reven, to plunder, from Old English rēafian; see reup- in Indo-European roots.]
reave 2   (rēv)   
tr.v.   reaved or reft (rěft), reav·ing, reaves Archaic
To break or tear apart.

[Middle English reven, possibly alteration (influenced by reven, to plunder) of Old Norse rīfa, to rive.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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