steeve1
/stiːv
/noun
(In a sailing ship) the angle of the bowsprit in relation to the horizontal.The tilt or "steeve" of the bowsprit is very important.
verb [with object]
Give (the bowsprit of a sailing ship) a specified inclination.The sail plan shows masts with a sharp rake, nicely steeved bowsprit, stub top-mast on the main, no spreaders, jumper struts nor permanent back-stays.
Origin
Mid 17th century: of unknown origin.
Rhymes
steeve2
/stiːv/noun
A derrick consisting of a long pole with a block at the end.
Origin
Late 15th century (as a verb): from Old French estiver or Spanish estibar, from Latin stipare 'pack tight'. The noun is first recorded as a 19th-century US term.