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

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. [ 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 ]

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

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 ]

a. Pertaining to, or consisting of, a sheaf or sheaves; resembling a sheaf. [ 1913 Webster ]