The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Kier \Kier\, n. [Icel. ker a tub.] (Bleaching)
   A large tub or vat in which goods are subjected to the action
   of hot lye or bleaching liquor; -- also called keeve.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Keeve \Keeve\, n. [AS. c?f, fr. L. cupa a tub, cask; also, F.
   cuve. Cf. Kive, Coop.]
   1. (Brewing) A vat or tub in which the mash is made; a mash
      tub. --Ure.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Bleaching) A bleaching vat; a kier.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Mining) A large vat used in dressing ores.
      [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Keeve \Keeve\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Keeved; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Keeving.]
   1. To set in a keeve, or tub, for fermentation.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To heave; to tilt, as a cart. [Prov. Eng.]
      [1913 Webster]