sheaf

views updated Jun 08 2018

sheaf / shēf/ • n. (pl. sheaves / shēvz/ ) a bundle of grain stalks laid lengthwise and tied together after reaping. ∎  a bundle of objects of one kind, esp. papers: he waved a sheaf of papers in the air.• v. [tr.] bundle into sheaves.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

sheaf

views updated May 18 2018

sheaf OE. sċēaf = OS. skōf (Du. schoof), OHG. scoub sheaf, bundle or wisp of straw (G. schaub), ON. skauf fox's brush :- Gmc. *skaubaz (-am), f. *skaub- *skeub- *skub- (see SHOVE).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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