Sheaf (?), v. i. To collect and bind cut grain, or the
like; to make sheaves.
They that reap must sheaf and bind.
Shak.
Sheaf , v. t. To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat.
Sheaf , n.; pl.
Sheaves (#). [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.]
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 (?), n.
(Mech.) A sheave. [R.]
Hear it pronounced