Sleave \Sleave\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sleaved; p. pr. & vb. n. Sleaving.]

To separate, as threads; to divide, as a collection of threads; to sley; -- a weaver's term.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Sleave \Sleave\, n. [Cf. Dan. sl["o]if, a knot loop, Sw. slejf, G. schleife a knot, silding knot, and E. slip, v.i.]


   (a) The knotted or entangled part of silk or thread.
   (b) Silk not yet twisted; floss; -- called also sleave silk.

Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care. --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)