Rive (?), v. t. [imp. Rived (?); p. p. Rived or Riven (); p. pr. & vb. n. Riving.] [Icel. rifa, akin to Sw. rifva to pull asunder, burst, tear, Dan. rive to rake, pluck, tear. Cf. Reef of land, Rifle a gun, Rift, Rivel.]

To rend asunder by force; to split; to cleave; as, to rive timber for rails or shingles.

I shall ryve him through the sides twain. Chaucer.

The scolding winds have rived the knotty oaks. Shak.

Brutus hath rived my heart. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.


Rive, v. i.

To be split or rent asunder.

Freestone rives, splits, and breaks in any direction. Woodward.

 

© Webster 1913.


Rive, n.

A place torn; a rent; a rift.

[Prov. Eng.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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