greeve

English

Etymology 1

From Middle English gryve, grayve, from Old Norse greifi (“a count, earl, steward”), akin to Swedish and Danish greve (“a count, earl”), Old English ġerēfa (“reeve”). More at reeve.

Alternative forms

• greave, grieve

Noun

greeve (plural greeves)

1. (UK dialectal) A reeve; steward.

Derived terms

• greeveship

Etymology 2

From Middle English greve, grayve, see greave.

Noun

greeve (plural greeves)

1. Alternative form of greave
   • 1786, Francis Grose, A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, page 22:

     For the defence of the legs were worn a sort of iron boots, called Greeves.

Anagrams

• vergée