Definition of: sleeve

(slēv) noun
1. The part of a garment that serves especially as a covering for the arm.
2. Mech. a A tube surrounding something, as a shaft, for protection or to permit motion of itself or of the shaft. b A short pipe receiving the ends of two other pipes or rods; a sleeve coupling or sleeve valve.
3. Electr. The cylindrical contacting part of a telephone–circuit plug.
—up one's sleeve Hidden but at hand.
—v.t. sleeved, sleev·ing To furnish with a sleeve or sleeves. ♦ Homophone: sleave. [OE slēfe]