Rive (?), v. t. [imp.Rived (?); p. p.Rived or Riven (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Riving.] [Icel. rīfa, 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.