steeve

• POS: Noun, Verb (usu participle), Verb (transitive)

CIDE DICTIONARY

steeve, v. i. [Cf. OD. steve staff, E. stem, n.].

 To project upward, or make an angle with the horizon or with the line of a vessel's keel; -- said of the bowsprit, etc.  [1913 Webster]

steeve, v. t. 

•  To elevate or fix at an angle with the horizon; -- said of the bowsprit, etc.  [1913 Webster]
•  To stow, as bales in a vessel's hold, by means of a steeve. See Steeve, n. (b).  [1913 Webster]

steeve, n. 

 The angle which a bowsprit makes with the horizon, or with the line of the vessel's keel; -- called also steeving.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

steeve, n. & v. Naut.
--n. the angle of the bowsprit in relation to the horizontal.
--v.
1 intr. (of a bowsprit) make an angle with the horizontal.
2 tr. cause (the bowsprit) to do this.

steeve, n. & v. Naut.
--n. a long spar used in stowing cargo.
--v.tr. stow with a steeve.

Etymology

ME f. OF estiver or Sp. estivar f. L stipare pack tight