Webster's English Dictionary

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reeve

1. reeve \'re-v\ n [ME reve, fr. OE gere-fa, fr. ge- (associative prefix) + 
   (X-re-fa (akin to OE -ro-f number, OHG ruova) - more at CO- 1: a local 
   administrative agent of an Anglo-saxon king  2: a medieval English manor 
   officer responsible chiefly for overseeing the  discharge of feudal 
   obligations 3a: the council president in some Canadian municipalities  3b: 
   a local official charged with enforcement of specific regulations {de er ~}
2. reeve \'ro-v\ vb or rove or reeved;  or reev.ing [origin unknown] 1: to 
   pass (as a rope) through a hole or opening  2: to fasten by passing through 
   a hole or around something  3: to pass a rope through  of a rope  : to pass 
   through a block or similar device 
3. reeve n [prob. alter. of ruff] : the female of the ruff