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sheaf

 - 3 dictionary results

sheaf

  [sheef] noun, plural sheaves, verb
Use sheaf in a Sentence
–noun
1. one of the bundles in which cereal plants, as wheat, rye, etc., are bound after reaping.
2. any bundle, cluster, or collection: a sheaf of papers.
–verb (used with object)
3. to bind (something) into a sheaf or sheaves.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME shefe (n.), OE schēaf; c. D schoof sheaf, G Schaub wisp of straw, ON skauf tail of a fox

Related forms:
sheaflike, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To sheaf
sheaf   (shēf)   
n.   pl. sheaves (shēvz)

  1. A bundle of cut stalks of grain or similar plants bound with straw or twine.

  2. A collection of items held or bound together: a sheaf of printouts.

  3. An archer's quiver.

tr.v.   sheafed, sheaf·ing, sheafs
To gather and bind into a bundle.

[Middle English sheef, from Old English scēaf.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

sheaf 
O.E. sceaf "sheaf of corn," from P.Gmc. *skaubaz (cf. M.Du. scoof, O.H.G. scoub, Ger. Schaub "sheaf;" O.N. skauf "fox's tail;" Goth. skuft "hair on the head," Ger. Schopf "tuft"). Also used in M.E. for "two dozen arrows."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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