Also 6 -ryfe, 7 -reefe, 8 -reef. [f. WOOD sb.1 2 + REEVE sb.1 2.] The steward or overseer of a wood or forest.

1

1579.  Twyne, Phisicke agst. Fort., I. xlvii. 70. What is he now other then a Woodryfe, or Woodman?

2

1643.  MS. Acc. St. John’s Hosp., Canterb. Spent vpon our woodreefe for coming to giue vs notice of sume abuses done to our wood.

3

1795.  Trans. Soc. Arts, XIII. 218. Those [trees] that fail to form so desirable a shape as in the opinion of a judicious wood-reef is necessary.

4

1866.  Morn. Star, 6 March, 6/5. The case was proved by Wm. Goodhew, woodreeve to Miss Hayes.

5

1913.  Daily News, 15 Aug., 5. We are mostly shepherds and wood-reeves and thackers and foresters here.

6