Shēath, n.
n. [A-S. scædh, scēidh, scādh, O. Sax. skēdia, L. Ger. schēde, schee, D. schede, Up. Ger. scheid, scheiden, N. H. Ger. scheide, O. H. Ger. sceida, Sw. skida, Dan. skede, Icel. skeiðhir, pl., probably from Skr. sthid, to cover.]
Sense 1. A case for the reception of a sword or other long and slender instrument; a scabbard.
Sense 2. Any thin covering for defense or protection; as, (a.) (Bot.) The base of a leaf when sheathing or investing a stem or branch, as in grasses. (b.) (Entom.) The wing-case of an insect.