Main Entry:

sheath

Pronunciation:

\ˈshēth\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural sheaths \ˈshēthz, ˈshēths\

Etymology:

Middle English shethe, from Old English scēath; akin to Old High German sceida sheath and perhaps to Latin scindere to split — more at shed

Date:

before 12th century

1: a case for a blade (as of a knife)2: an investing cover or case of a plant or animal body or body part: as a: the tubular fold of skin into which the penis of many mammals is retracted b (1): the lower part of a leaf (as of a grass) when surrounding the stem (2): an ensheathing spathe 3: any of various covering or supporting structures that are applied like or resemble in appearance or function the sheath of a blade: as a: sheathing 2 b: a woman's close-fitting dress that is usually worn without a belt cBritish : condom 1