Definition of "theave"

theave

/θiːv/

noun
plural theaves
1. (UK, dialect) A ewe lamb of a specific age; in some areas, applied to lambs in their the first or second year (before they have had lambs themselves), in others to lambs in their third year, before their second shearing.
  Quotations
  The ewes by them-selfe, the share-hogges and theyues by them selfe
  1523, Anthony Fitzherbert, Boke of Husbandry
  Comprising eleven calved and in-calf cows and heifers, three barren cows, […] fifteen in-lamb ewes and theaves, […] yearling draught colt and filly, pony, yearling fummel, mare ass in-foal to a pony, two waggons, […]
  1843 March 3, “To Be Sold by Auction, By B. Cheatle & Son”, in Leicester Journal, and Midland Counties General Advertiser, volume 92, number 4895, Leicester: James Jackson, page 2
  A dorring drush in the caddled yew. / A seance o' theaves beneath the woak.
  2022, PJ Harvey, Orlam, Picador, page 265