steeve

1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈstēv How to pronounce steeve (audio)
steeved; steeving

transitive verb

archaic
: to stow especially in a ship's hold

steeve

2 of 2

verb (2)

steeved; steeving

intransitive verb

of a bowsprit : to incline upward at an angle with the horizon or the line of the keel

transitive verb

: to set (a bowsprit) at an upward inclination

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1)

probably from Spanish estibar or Portuguese estivar to pack tightly, from Latin stipare to press together — more at stiff

Verb (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Verb (1)

circa 1644, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

circa 1644, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of steeve was circa 1644

Dictionary Entries Near steeve

stees

steeve

steever

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Steeve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steeve. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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