sheaf Meaning, Definition & Usage

Sheaf noun

Definitions

1. (Mech.) A sheave. R.

Sheaf noun

Etymology

OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS. sceáf; akin to D. schoof, OHG. scoub, G. schaub, Icel. skauf a fox's brush, and E. shove. See Shove.

Wordforms

plural Sheaves

Definitions

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 transitive verb

Definitions

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

Sheaf intransitive verb

Definitions

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

   They that reap must sheaf and bind. Shak.