n.
Pronunciation: ' sl ē v
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sleve, from Old English sl ī efe; perhaps akin to Old English sl ē fan to slip (clothes) on, sl ū pan to slip, Old High German sliofan, Latin lubricus slippery
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a part of a garment covering an arm b : SLEEVELET
2 a : a tubular part (as a hollow axle or a bushing) designed to fit over another part b : an open-ended flat or tubular packaging or cover especially : JACKET 3C(2)
– sleeved \ ' sl ē vd \ adjective
– sleeve · less \ ' sl ē v-l ə s \ adjective
– on one's sleeve : in an honest and open manner ― used with wear <wears his emotions on his sleeve >
– up one's sleeve : held secretly in reserve <has a few tricks up her sleeve >