Greeve

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

Full definition of greeve

Noun

1. (UK dialectal) A reeve; steward.

Derived terms

• greeveship

From Middle English greve, grayve, from Old French greve ("shin"), of unknown origin.

Alternative forms

• greave

Noun

1. Armor for the shins, and occasionally the tops of the feet.
• 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.