unreeve

[ uhn-reev ]

verb (used with object)

, un·rove or un·reeved, un·ro·ven or un·reeved, un·reev·ing.

1. Nautical. to withdraw (a rope) from a block, thimble, etc.

verb (used without object)

, un·rove or un·reeved, un·ro·ven or un·reeved, un·reev·ing.

1. to unreeve a rope.
2. (of a rope) to become unreeved.

unreeve

/ ʌnˈriːv /

verb

1. nautical to withdraw (a rope) from a block, thimble, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of unreeve¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; un- ² + reeve ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of unreeve¹

C17: from un- ² + reeve ²

Example Sentences

Jump down, all of you, and lend a hand and unreeve the halliards from the mast and bind her as tight as you can to the branches; pass the ropes under the thwarts.

From Project Gutenberg

To unreeve the running part of top-sail sheets, &c., to let them run freely, or for harbour duty.

From Project Gutenberg

To pass the end of a rope through any cavity or aperture, as the channel of a block; to unreeve is the opposite.

From Project Gutenberg

Lower them down and let the falls unreeve, so that they will go adrift.

From Project Gutenberg

“You can unreeve the tops’l halyards,” replied the captain, quietly.

From Project Gutenberg