portreeve

noun

port·​reeve

ˈpōrt‧ˌrēv

variants or portgrave

-tˌgrāv

or portgreve

-tˌgrēv

plural -s

1

: a bailiff or mayor charged with keeping the peace and with other duties in a port or market borough of early England

2

: the chief officer of a seaport town

Word History

Etymology

portreeve from Middle English portereve, portreve, from Old English portgerēfa, from port + gerēfa reeve; portgreve, Middle English, alteration (influenced by Old English portgerēfa) of portreve; portgrave, alteration (influenced by Middle Dutch portgrave portreeve) of portgreve

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now