sheaf

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

sheaf
    n 1: a package of several things tied together for carrying or
         storing [syn: {bundle}, {sheaf}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Sheaf \Sheaf\, n. (Mech.)
   A sheave. [R.]
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Sheaf \Sheaf\, n.; pl. {Sheaves}. [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS.
   sce['a]f; 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.
      [1913 Webster]

            The reaper fills his greedy hands,
            And binds the golden sheaves in brittle bands.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

            The sheaf of arrows shook and rattled in the case.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Sheaf \Sheaf\, v. t.
   To gather and bind into a sheaf; to make into sheaves; as, to
   sheaf wheat.
   [1913 Webster]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Sheaf \Sheaf\, v. i.
   To collect and bind cut grain, or the like; to make sheaves.
   [1913 Webster]

         They that reap must sheaf and bind.      --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0

21 Moby Thesaurus words for "sheaf":
      bale, bindle, bolt, bouquet, budget, bundle, deck, fagot, fardel,
      fasces, fascine, nosegay, pack, package, packet, parcel, posy,
      quiver, roll, rouleau, truss