sheath
/ʃiθ/ noun C1- A holster for a sword; a scabbard.
- Anything that has a similar shape to a scabbard that is used to hold an object that is longer than it is wide.
- The base of a leaf when sheathing or investing a branch or stem, as in grasses.
- The insulating outer cover of an electrical cable.
- One of the elytra of an insect.
- A tight-fitting dress.
- The foreskin of certain animals (for example, dogs and horses).
Plural sheaths
From the library
The Robber being slain, the timid companion ran up and drew his sword, and then, throwing back his traveling cloak said, “I’ll at him, and I’ll take care he shall learn whom he has attacked.” On this, he who had fought with the Robber made answer, “I only wish that you had helped me just now, even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue, till you can deceive others who do not know you.
We stayed long enough at the police-station to learn that a search of his clothing revealed nothing save a few shillings and a long sheath knife, the handle of which bore copious traces of recent blood.
But I require three weeks’ preparation; at the end of that time I shall come and say to you, ‘The assertion is false, and I retract it,’ or ‘The assertion is true,’ when I shall immediately draw the sword from its sheath, or the pistols from the case, whichever you please.”
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