/sleev/ , v. , sleaved, sleaving , n.
v.t.
1. to divide or separate into filaments, as silk.
n.
2. anything matted or raveled.
3. a filament of silk obtained by separating a thicker thread.
4. a silk in the form of such filaments.
[ 1585-95; OE - slaefan (only in the compound toslaefan ), akin to slifan to split; see SLIVER ]