Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sleave \Sleave\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sleaved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Sleaving}.]
   To separate, as threads; to divide, as a collection of
   threads; to sley; -- a weaver's term.

Sleave \Sleave\, n. [Cf. Dan. sl["o]if, a knot loop, Sw. slejf,
   G. schleife a knot, silding knot, and E. slip, v.i.]
   (a) The knotted or entangled part of silk or thread.
   (b) Silk not yet twisted; floss; -- called also {sleave
       silk}.

             Sleep that knits up the ravell'd sleave of care.
                                                  --Shak.