sheath

/ʃiθ/

/ʃiθ/

Other forms: sheaths

A sheath is a protective case for a knife or a sword. The most exciting part of a staged sword fight might be the moment when the hero pulls his weapon out of its sheath.

A sheath is also a dress that is straight, fitted, and simple. You might advise your Aunt Martha to choose a sheath dress for her third wedding, instead of the white lace gown with the long train. The word sheath most likely comes from the Old English scēath, meaning a divide or a split, like the split piece of wood which originally served as a sword's sheath.

Definitions of sheath

1. noun

   a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)
   types:

   aglet, aiglet

   metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon

   cot, fingerstall

   a sheath worn to protect a finger

   holster

   a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun

   scabbard

   a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet

   shoulder holster

   a holster worn over your shoulder so a gun can be concealed under your jacket

   type of:

   protection, protective cover, protective covering

   a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury
2. noun

   an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part
   synonyms: case

   types:

   theca

   outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects

   lorica

   a hard protective sheath (as secreted by certain protoctists, for example)

   medullary sheath, myelin sheath

   a layer of myelin encasing (and insulating) the axons of medullated nerve fibers

   neurilemma, neurolemma

   thin membranous sheath around a nerve fiber

   husk

   outer membranous covering of some fruits or seeds

   cornhusk

   the husk of an ear of corn

   hull

   dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

   cod, pod, seedcase

   the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves)

   bract

   a modified leaf or leaflike part just below and protecting an inflorescence

   type of:

   cover, covering, natural covering

   a natural object that covers or envelops
3. noun

   a dress suitable for formal occasions
   synonyms: cocktail dress

   type of:

   dress, frock

   a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice