steeve

1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈstēv 

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