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.