Main Entry: sheaf

Pronunciation: \ˈshēf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural sheaves \ˈshēvz\

Etymology: Middle English sheef, from Old English scēaf; akin to Old High German scoub sheaf, Russian chub forelock

Date: before 12th century

1 : a quantity of the stalks and ears of a cereal grass or sometimes other plant material bound together
2 : something resembling a sheaf of grain <a sheaf of papers>
3 : a large amount or number <won a sheaf of awards>

— sheaf·like \ˈshēf-ˌlīk\ adjective