ˈēv noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: back-formation from eaves (taken as a plural), from Middle English eves, from Old English efes; akin to Old High German obasa portico, Old Norse ups eaves, Gothic ubizwa portico, Gothic uf under — more at up
1. usually eaves plural but singular or plural in construction
a. : the lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall
worn by the dripping from the eave
the eaves are neatly boxed
b. : the corresponding overhang of thatch (as on a stack of fodder)
2. usually eaves plural but singular or plural in construction : a projecting edge (as of a hill or a hat)