Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rive \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.