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, v. t. To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as,
to sheaf wheat.
Sheaf (?), v. i. To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make
sheaves.
They that reap must sheaf and bind.
Shak.
Sheaf"y (?), a. Pertaining to, or consisting of, a sheaf or sheaves;
resembling a sheaf.