Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Sheaf?

\Sheaf\, n. (Mech.) A sheave. [R.]
\Sheaf\, n.; pl. {Sheaves}. [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS. sce['a]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.
\Sheaf\, v. t. To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat.
\Sheaf\, v. i. To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make sheaves. They that reap must sheaf and bind. --Shak.