GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions 

  1.       

    Cleave , v. t. [imp. Cleft , Clave (, Obs.), Clove (, Obsolescent); p. p. Cleft, Cleaved  or Cloven ; p. pr. & vb. n. Cleaving.] [OE. cleoven, cleven, AS. cleófan; akin to OS. klioban, D. klooven, G. klieben, Icel. kljūfa, Sw. klyfva, Dan. klöve and prob. to Gr. γλύφειν to carve, L. glubere to peel. Cf. Cleft.]
    1. To part or divide by force; to split or rive; to cut.
      1913 Webster
      O Hamlet, thou hast cleft my heart in twain.
      Shak.

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    2. To part or open naturally; to divide.
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      Every beast that parteth the hoof, and cleaveth the cleft into two claws.
      Deut. xiv. 6.

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  2.       

    Cloven , p. p. & a. from Cleave, v. t.
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    To show the cloven foot or To show the cloven hoof, to reveal a devilish character, or betray an evil purpose, notwithstanding disguises, -- Satan being represented dramatically and symbolically as having cloven hoofs.
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