Mid 18th century. Probably from Marathi rīp lath used in making a roof or its apparent etymon Telugu rivva, rebba small branch (earlier *rippa, *rimpa), perhaps influenced in form by rafter.
Definition of reeper in US English:
reeper
nounˈriːpə
Anglo-Indian
A lath used in making a roof.
Origin
Mid 18th century. Probably from Marathi rīp lath used in making a roof or its apparent etymon Telugu rivva, rebba small branch (earlier *rippa, *rimpa), perhaps influenced in form by rafter.