Sheaf, n.; pl.Sheaves (#). [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS. sceáf; akin to D. schoof, OHG. scoub, G. schaub, Icel. skauf a fox's brush, and E. shove. See Shove.] 1. A quantity of the stalks and ears of wheat, rye, or other grain, bound together; a bundle of grain or straw.
The reaper fills his greedy hands,
And binds the golden sheaves in brittle bands. Dryden.
2. Any collection of things bound together; a bundle; specifically, a bundle of arrows sufficient to fill a quiver, or the allowance of each archer, — usually twenty-four.
The sheaf of arrows shook and rattled in the case. Dryden.