PORTREVE Meaning and
Definition
-
The chief magistrate of a port or maritime town.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PORTREVE
- oortreve
- lortreve
- -ortreve
- 0ortreve
- pirtreve
- pkrtreve
- plrtreve
- pprtreve
- p0rtreve
- p9rtreve
- poetreve
- podtreve
- poftreve
- pottreve
- po5treve
- po4treve
- porrreve
- porfreve
- poryreve
- por6reve
Etymology of PORTREVE
The word "portreve" originates from the Old English term "portgeréfa", which can be broken down into two parts. "Port" refers to a gate or entrance, while "geréfa" means a reeve or steward.
In medieval England, a portreeve or portgeréfa was an official responsible for managing the affairs of a port, which typically included the collection of tolls or customs duties, the maintenance of order, and the administration of justice. The term "portreeve" was used in various English coastal towns, such as Bristol, Hull, and London, to denote this important local position.
Over time, the spelling of "portgeréfa" and "portreeve" evolved, but the meaning remained consistent. Today, although the role of the portreeve has largely disappeared, the term lives on as a historical reference to these local officials.
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