Scythe (s&imac;th), n. [OE. sithe, AS. si[eth]e, sig[eth]e; akin to Icel. sig[eth]r a sickle, LG. segd, seged, seed, seid, OHG. segansa sickle, scythe, G. sense scythe, and to E. saw a cutting instrument. See Saw.] [Written also sithe and sythe.]
1.
An instrument for mowing grass, grain, or the like, by hand, composed of a long, curving blade, with a sharp edge, made fast to a long handle, called a snath, which is bent into a form convenient for use.
The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass.
Dryden.
The scythe of Time mows down.
Milton.
2. Antiq.
A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war chariots.
© Webster 1913.
Scythe (?), v. t.
To cut with a scythe; to cut off as with a scythe; to mow.
[Obs.]
Time had not scythed all that youth begun.
Shak.
© Webster 1913.