reif

noun

ˈrēf
plural -s
chiefly Scottish
: robbery, plunder
keep the house frae reif and wearSir Walter Scott

Word History

Etymology

Middle English (Scots) ref, reif, from Old English rēaf; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near reif

Cite this Entry

“Reif.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reif. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!