E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ree.
Right. Thus teamers say to a leading horse, “Ree!” when they want it to turn to the right, and “Hey!” for the contrary direction. (Saxon, reht; German, recht; Latin, rectus; various English dialects, reet, whence reetle, “to put to rights.”)
1
“Who with a hey and ree the beasts command.”
Micro-Cynicon (1599).
Riddle me, riddle me ree. Expound my riddle rightly.
