Word Direct Answers

What does "sheaf" mean?

Sheaf: 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.

Additional senses

  1. 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.
  2. 3.To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to sheaf wheat.
  3. 4.To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make sheaves. They that reap must sheaf and bind. Shak.

Sources