riven

2 definitions found

riven - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Riven \Riv"en\,
     p. p. & a. from Rive.
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  Rive \Rive\, v. t. [imp. Rived; p. p. Rived or Riven; p.
     pr. & vb. n. Riving.] [Icel. r[imac]fa, akin to Sw. rifva
     to pull asunder, burst, tear, Dan. rive to rake, pluck, tear.
     Cf. Reef of land, Rifle a gun, Rift, Rivel.]
     To rend asunder by force; to split; to cleave; as, to rive
     timber for rails or shingles.
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           I shall ryve him through the sides twain. --Chaucer.
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           The scolding winds have rived the knotty oaks. --Shak.
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           Brutus hath rived my heart.              --Shak.
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