from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scythe \Scythe\ (s[imac]th), n. [OE. sithe, AS. s[imac][eth]e,
sig[eth]e; akin to Icel. sig[eth]r a sickle, LG. segd, seged,
seed, seid, OHG. segansa sickle, scythe, G. sense scythe, and
to E. saw a cutting instrument. See {Saw}.] [Written also
{sithe} and {sythe}.]
1. An instrument for mowing grass, grain, or the like, by
hand, composed of a long, curving blade, with a sharp
edge, made fast to a long handle, called a snath, which is
bent into a form convenient for use.
[1913 Webster]
The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass.
--Drayton.
[1913 Webster]
Whatever thing
The scythe of Time mows down. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Antiq.) A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war
chariots.
[1913 Webster]