Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Sleeve \Sleeve\, n. (Elec.)
   A double tube of copper, in section like the figure 8, into
   which the ends of bare wires are pushed so that when the tube
   is twisted an electrical connection is made. The joint thus
   made is called

   {a McIntire joint}.

Sleeve \Sleeve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sleeved}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Sleeving}.]
   To furnish with sleeves; to put sleeves into; as, to sleeve a
   coat.

Sleeve \Sleeve\, n.
   See {Sleave}, untwisted thread.

Sleeve \Sleeve\, n. [OE. sleeve, sleve, AS. sl?fe, sl?fe; akin
   to sl?fan to put on, to clothe; cf. OD. sloove the turning up
   of anything, sloven to turn up one's sleeves, sleve a sleeve,
   G. schlaube a husk, pod.]
   1. The part of a garment which covers the arm; as, the sleeve
      of a coat or a gown. --Chaucer.

   2. A narrow channel of water. [R.]

            The Celtic Sea, called oftentimes the Sleeve.
                                                  --Drayton.

   3. (Mach.)
      (a) A tubular part made to cover, sustain, or steady
          another part, or to form a connection between two
          parts.
      (b) A long bushing or thimble, as in the nave of a wheel.
      (c) A short piece of pipe used for covering a joint, or
          forming a joint between the ends of two other pipes.

   {Sleeve button}, a detachable button to fasten the wristband
      or cuff.

   {Sleeve links}, two bars or buttons linked together, and used
      to fasten a cuff or wristband.

   {To laugh in the sleeve}, to laugh privately or unperceived,
      especially while apparently preserving a grave or serious
      demeanor toward the person or persons laughed at; that is,
      perhaps, originally, by hiding the face in the wide
      sleeves of former times.

   {To pin}, or {hang}, {on the sleeve of}, to be, or make,
      dependent upon.

Source : WordNet®

sleeve
     n 1: the part of a garment that is attached at armhole and
          provides a cloth covering for the arm [syn: {arm}]
     2: small case into which an object fits