Main Entry: ¹sick·le

Pronunciation: \ˈsi-kəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English sikel, from Old English sicol, from Latin secula sickle, from secare to cut — more at saw

Date: before 12th century

1 : an agricultural implement consisting of a curved metal blade with a short handle fitted on a tang
2 : the cutting mechanism (as of a reaper, combine, or mower) consisting of a bar with a series of cutting elements

[sickle illustration]