What does "steeve" mean?

Steeve: (Shipbuilding) To elevate or fix at an angle with the horizon; -- said of the bowsprit, etc.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To stow, as bales in a vessel's hold, by means of a steeve. See Steeve, n. (b).
  2. 3.(a) The angle which a bowsprit makes with the horizon, or with the line of the vessel's keel; -- called also steeving. (b) A spar, with a block at one end, used in stowing cotton bales, and similar kinds of cargo which need to be packed tightly.

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