A thin piece or fragment; specifically, one of the scales or pieces of the woody part of flax removed by the operation of breaking.

A thin, flat cork used for stopping a wide-mouthed bottle; also, a thin wooden bung for casks.

A shive is a wooden or plastic fitting used in ale casks. It is found on the curved side of the cask, arranged so that when the cask is on its side and the keystone is at the lowest part of the rim, the shive will be the highest point of the cask.

Vegetable matter, usually that contained in the back wool, such as leaves, grass etc . Does not refer to burrs or seed.

A slice; as, a shive of bread.