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]