[sleeve] n [ME sleve, fr. OE sliefe; perh. akin to OE slefan to slip (clothes) on, slupan to slip, OHG sliofan, L lubricus slippery] (bef. 12c) 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; esp: jacket 3c(2) -- sleeved adj -- sleeve.less adj -- up one's sleeve : held secretly in reserve