Reeve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
reeve
[riหv ]
Definition
historical title
A reeve was an official in medieval England who was responsible for overseeing a village or a specific area, often under the authority of a lord. This role included duties such as managing the land, ensuring that taxes were collected, and maintaining order. The title of 'reeve' has historical significance, commonly associated with agricultural communities. In some cases, reeves were also responsible for judicial matters, acting as a local magistrate.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The reeve collected taxes for the lord.
- In the village, the reeve settled disputes among the people.
- As the reeve, he oversaw the harvest and distributed food.
- The reeve reported directly to the local baron.
- During the feudal system, the reeve held considerable power.
Translations
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Origin of 'reeve'
The term 'reeve' originates from Old English 'refa', which referred to a steward or official. It was used to denote someone who had authority over a certain area or aspect of governance. The role of reeve became more formalized during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, as the feudal system took hold. This system required local officials to manage lands on behalf of their lords, leading to the creation of various titles including 'reeve'. The responsibilities of a reeve varied over time, but generally involved a combination of administrative and judicial duties. By the Middle Ages, reeves were essential to the maintenance of lordship and local order, often embodying the local power structure. As the socio-political landscape evolved, the term 'reeve' began to fade, giving way to more modern titles and roles in administration.