steeve

¹

[ steev ]

verb (used with object)

, steeved, steev·ing.

1. to stuff (cotton or other cargo) into a ship's hold.

noun

1. a long derrick or spar, with a block at one end, used in stowing cargo in a ship's hold.

steeve

²

[ steev ]

verb (used without object)

, steeved, steev·ing.

1. (of a bowsprit or the like) to incline upward at an angle instead of extending horizontally.

verb (used with object)

, steeved, steev·ing.

1. to set (a spar) at an upward inclination.

steeve

¹

/ stiːv /

noun

1. a spar having a pulley block at one end, used for stowing cargo on a ship

verb

1. tr to stow (cargo) securely in the hold of a ship

steeve

²

/ stiːv /

verb

1. to incline (a bowsprit or other spar) upwards or (of a bowsprit) to incline upwards at an angle from the horizontal

noun

1. such an angle

Word History and Origins

Origin of steeve¹

1475–85; probably < Spanish estibar to cram < Latin stīpāre to stuff, pack tightly; akin to Old English stīf stiff

Origin of steeve²

First recorded in 1635–45; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of steeve¹

C15 steven, probably from Spanish estibar to pack tightly, from Latin stīpāre to cram full

Origin of steeve²

C17: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

I reckon it'll be a stuffed fox your chil'ern 'll hunt, Mr. Steeve; more straw in 'em than bow'ls.

From Project Gutenberg

And who do you think had cause to be spiteful agen him, Steeve?

From Project Gutenberg

Don't happen to have a grudge of e'er a kind against old Bob, Steeve?

From Project Gutenberg

He limped out upon the high-road half an hour after this, and went into the village to find Steeve Hargraves.

From Project Gutenberg

Casting about in a reflective mood for a fitting person for this office, his recreant fancy hit upon Steeve Hargraves the "Softy."

From Project Gutenberg