v. (-rr-) 1 occur again; be repeated.

- (foll. By to) go back in thought or speech.

- (as recurring adj.) (of a decimal fraction) with the same figure(s) repeated indefinitely (1.66 recurring). [latin curro run]

adj. (-ier, -iest) 1 full of reeds.

- like a reed.

- (of a voice) like a reed instrument in tone. reediness n.

n. Hist. - chief magistrate of a town or district.

- official supervising a landowner's estate. [old english]

- v. (past rove or reeved) naut. - (usu. Foll. By through) thread (a rope or rod etc.) Through a ring or other aperture.

- fasten (a rope or block) in this way. [probably dutch reven]

- n. Female ruff. [origin unknown]

v. (-rr-) (usu. Foll. By to) 1 make an appeal or have recourse to (some authority or source of information) (referred to his notes).

- send on or direct (a person, or a question for decision).

- (of a person speaking) make an allusion or direct the hearer's or reader's attention (did not refer to our problems).

- (of a statement etc.) Be relevant; relate (these figures refer to last year).

- send (a person) to a medical specialist etc.

- (foll. By back to) a return (a document etc.) To its sender for clarification. B send (a proposal etc.) Back to (a lower body, court, etc.).

- fail (a candidate in an examination). referable adj. [latin refero relat- carry back]

—v. (-tt-) esp. Naut. Make or become serviceable again by repairs, renewals, etc. —n. Refitting.

adj. - of or by a monarch or monarchs.

- fit for a monarch; magnificent. regality n. Regally adv. [latin rex reg- king]

n. The former german state, esp. The third reich. [german, = empire]

—v. - be king or queen.

- prevail (confusion reigns).

- (as reigning attrib. Adj.) (of a winner, champion, etc.) Currently holding the title etc. —n. - sovereignty, rule.

- period during which a sovereign rules.

v. (-gg-) 1 re-equip (a factory etc.) For a new kind of work.

- rearrange.

v. - make or become less stiff, rigid, or tense.

- make or become less formal or strict (rules were relaxed).

- reduce or abate (one's attention, efforts, etc.).

- cease work or effort.

- (as relaxed adj.) At ease; unperturbed. [latin relaxo: related to *lax]