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reave1 definition

reave (rēv)

transitive verb reaved or reft, reaving reav′·ing

Archaic to take away by violence; seize; rob

Etymology: ME reven < OE reafian, akin to Ger rauben, to rob

reave2 definition

reave (rēv)

transitive verb reaved or reft, reaving reav′·ing

Archaic to break, split, tear, or the like

Etymology: ME reven, altered (by assoc. with reven: see reave) < ON rifa, to tear < IE *reip-, var. of base *rei- > L rima, a crack

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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