reeve
1 synonym for reeve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A local official in medieval England with authority over an area, or (in Canada) the elected head of certain municipal councils.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old English gerefa ("official, officer"), a word that mostly died out in England once "bailiff" took over, though it survives in Canadian local government.
Full origin of reeve →Frequently asked questions
What does “reeve” mean?
The word “reeve” means a local official in medieval England with authority over an area, or (in Canada) the elected head of certain municipal councils. In plain terms, an old word for a local official, or (as a verb) to pass a rope through something.
How do you pronounce “reeve”?
“Reeve” is pronounced reev (/ɹiːv/ in IPA).
How do you use “reeve” in a sentence?
Here is “reeve” used in a sentence: “The village reeve settled disputes between farmers.”
What part of speech is “reeve”?
Depending on how it is used, “reeve” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “reeve” come from?
The word “reeve” comes from Old English. From Old English gerefa ("official, officer"), a word that mostly died out in England once "bailiff" took over, though it survives in Canadian local government.
How many meanings does “reeve” have?
“Reeve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a local official in medieval England with authority over an area, or (in Canada) the elected head of certain municipal councils.
