Gyve

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dÊ’aɪv/, /É¡aɪv/

Alternative forms

• give

Origin

Of Celtic origin; liken Welsh gefyn ("fetter,shackle"), Irish geibbionn ("fetters"), geimheal ("fetter, chain, shackle").

Full definition of gyve

Noun

1. A shackle or fetter, especially for the leg.
• Shakespeare, Romeo and JulietLike a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves
• 1973, Kyril Bonfiglioli, Don't Point That Thing at Me, Penguin 2001, page 122Our gyves were removed and our possessions returned to us, except for my Banker's Special.

Verb

1. to shackle, fetter, chain
• 1864 , , Atlantic Monthly Journal Chapter A Fast-Day at Foxden , "Say, rather, to melt the iron links which gyve soul to body," said Clifton ...
• 2008 , LD Brodsky , The Complete Poems of Louis Daniel Brodsky: Volume Four, 1981-1985 Chapter A Devotee of the Southern Way of Making Love , Gyved to a squeaky swivel seat in my office, …

Derived terms

• down-gyved