Rēave, v. t.

(rēv), v. t. [A-S. reáfian, Dan. röve, D. rooven, L. Ger. rowen. See Rob.] 1. To take away by stealth or violence; to rob of; to deprive of; to take away. [Obs.] See BEREAVE. If the wooers reave By privy stratagem my life at home. Chapman. 2. To rob; to deprive; to bereave. [Rare.] “To reave the orphan of his patrimony.” Shak.