Last two can't parse
15dn figure gathering spotted coats (9)
?e?e?t???
SEVENTEEN?
26ac thread referring to the night before (5)
R?e??
REEVE?
If so - why?
1.
to pass (the end of a line) through a block, ring, etc.
2.
to fasten by passing through or around something
3.
to pass a line through (a block, ring, etc.)