The action of reeve, v.1, in various senses; esp. the action or process of passing a rope, cable, or the like through a hole, block, etc.; (also)…

Nautical. The process of winding spun-yarn round a rope or cable, so as to fill up the spiral furrows between the strands (cf. worm, v. 13). Also con…

Nautical. The action or an act of hauling a rope or tackle. Chiefly with in, up. Now rare.

Chiefly Nautical. The running or slipping of a rope or cable. Cf. render, v. 13.

Nautical. (See quots. and snake, v.1 1b.)

Nautical. The action of suddenly slackening a rope or chain wound round a capstan, etc. Also attributive, as surging-drum.

Nautical and U.S. (See snub, v.1 2b.)

The act of ‘swigging’ at a rope: see swig, v.3 3 (In quots., a punning use of swig, n.1)