Sheaf (?), n. Mech.

A sheave.

[R.]

 

© Webster 1913.


Sheaf, n.; pl. Sheaves (#). [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS. sce�xa0;f; akin to D. schoof, OHG. scoub, G. schaub, Icel. skauf a fox's brush, and E. shove. See Shove.]

1.

A quantity of the stalks and ears of wheat, rye, or other grain, bound together; a bundle of grain or straw.

The reaper fills his greedy hands, And binds the golden sheaves in brittle bands. Dryden.

2.

Any collection of things bound together; a bundle; specifically, a bundle of arrows sufficient to fill a quiver, or the allowance of each archer, -- usually twenty-four.

The sheaf of arrows shook and rattled in the case. Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sheaf, v. t.

To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sheaf (?), v. i.

To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make sheaves.

They that reap must sheaf and bind. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.