Chives meaning : A perennial plant, Allium schoenoprasum, related to the onion. (in the plural) The leaves of this plant used as a herb. The style and stigma of a flower, especially saffron. (thieves' cant) A knife. (thieves' cant) A file. (thieves' cant) A saw. (thieves' cant) To stab. (thieves' cant) To cut.