Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Thrave \Thrave\ (thr[=a]v), n. [OE. [thorn]rave, [thorn]reve,
   Icel. [thorn]refi; akin to Dan. trave; cf. Icel.
   [thorn]r[=i]fa to grasp.]
   1. Twenty-four (in some places, twelve) sheaves of wheat; a
      shock, or stook. [Prov. Eng.]

   2. The number of two dozen; also, an indefinite number; a
      bunch; a company; a throng. ``The worst of a thrave.''
      [Obs.] --Landsdowne MS.

            He sends forth thraves of ballads to the sale. --Bp.
                                                  Hall.