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rive

To rend asunder by force; to split; to cleave; as, to rive timber for rails or shingles. I shall ryve him through the sides twain. (Chaucer) The scolding winds have rived the knotty oaks. (Shak) Brutus hath rived my heart. (Shak)

Origin: Icel. Rifa, akin to Sw. Rifva to pull asunder, burst, tear, Dan. Rive to rake, pluck, tear. Cf. Reef of land, Rifle a gun, Rift, Rivel.