theave

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English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English theve (“young ewe”), from Old English *þeofu, from Proto-West Germanic *þebu.

Pronunciation

Noun

theave (plural theaves)

  1. (UK, dialect) A ewe lamb of a specific age; in some areas, applied to lambs in their the first or second year (before they have had lambs themselves), in others to lambs in their third year, before their second shearing.
    • 1523, Anthony Fitzherbert, Boke of Husbandry:
      The ewes by them-selfe, the share-hogges and theyues by them selfe
    • 1843 March 3, “To Be Sold by Auction, By B. Cheatle & Son”, in Leicester Journal, and Midland Counties General Advertiser, volume 92, number 4895, Leicester: James Jackson, page 2:
      Comprising eleven calved and in-calf cows and heifers, three barren cows, […] fifteen in-lamb ewes and theaves, […] yearling draught colt and filly, pony, yearling fummel, mare ass in-foal to a pony, two waggons, […]
    • 2022, PJ Harvey, Orlam, Picador, page 265:
      A dorring drush in the caddled yew. / A seance o' theaves beneath the woak.
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