\Rive\, v. t. [imp. {Rived}; p. p. {Rived} or {Riven}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Riving}.] [Icel. r[=i]fa, akin to Sw. rifva to
pull asunder, burst, tear, Dan. rive to rake, pluck, tear.
Cf. {Reef} of land, {Rifle} a gun, {Rift}, {Rivel}.]
To rend asunder by force; to split; to cleave; as, to rive
timber for rails or shingles.
      I shall ryve him through the sides twain. --Chaucer.
      The scolding winds have rived the knotty oaks. --Shak.
      Brutus hath rived my heart.              --Shak.

\Rive\, v. i.
To be split or rent asunder.
      Freestone rives, splits, and breaks in any direction.
                                               --Woodward.

\Rive\, n.
A place torn; a rent; a rift. [Prov. Eng.]