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reeve (n.)
"steward," Middle English reve, refe, reive, rive, from Old English gerefa "king's officer," an Anglo-Saxon official of high rank, having local jurisdiction under a king, usually charged with administration of the affairs of a town or district. A word of unknown origin and with no known cognates, it is not considered to be connected to German Graf (see margrave). Compare sheriff. In Middle English also of manorial managers (c. 1300), an agent or steward of God (late 14c.). The mid-15c. "Life of St. Norbert" calls the Devil a wikkid reue. Related: Reeveship.
updated on June 08, 2021
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Dictionary entries near reeve
re-entry
re-establish
reet
re-evaluate
re-evaluation
reeve
re-examine
re-experience
re-export
ref
refashion