KJV Dictionary Definition: sheath

sheath

SHEATH, n.

1. A case for the reception of a sword or other long and slender instrument; a scabbard. A sheath is that which separates, and hence a defense.

2. In botany, a membrane investing a stem or branch, as in grasses.

3. Any thin covering for defense; the wing-case of an insect.

SHEATH, v.t.

sheathe

SHEATHE,

1. To put in a case or scabbard; as, the sheathe a sword or dagger.

2. To inclose or cover with a sheath or case.

The leopard-deeps the claws of his fore feet turned up from the ground, and sheathed in the skin of his toes. Grew.

'Tis in my breast she sheathes her dagger now. Dryden.

3. To cover or line; as, to sheathe the bowels with demulcent or mucilaginous substances.

4. To obtund or blunt, as acrimonious or sharp particles.

5. To fit with a sheath.

6. To case or cover with boards or with sheets of copper; as, to sheathe a ship to protect it from the worms.

sheathed

SHE'ATHED, pp.

1. Put in a sheath; inclosed or covered in a case; covered; lined; invested with a membrane.

2. a. In botany, vaginate; invested by a sheath or cylindrical membranaceous tube, which is the base of the leaf, as the stalk or culm in grasses.

sheathing

SHE'ATHING, ppr. Putting in a sheath; inclosing in a case; covering; liningl investing with a membrane.

SHE'ATHING, n, The casing or covering of a ship's bottom and sides; or the materials for such covering.