sheathe
Americanverb (used with object)
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to put (a sword, dagger, etc.) into a sheath.
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to plunge (a sword, dagger, etc.) in something as if in a sheath.
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to enclose in or as if in a casing or covering.
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to cover or provide with a protective layer or sheathing.
to sheathe a roof with copper.
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to cover (a cable, electrical connector, etc.) with a metal sheath for grounding.
verb
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to insert (a knife, sword, etc) into a sheath
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(esp of cats) to retract (the claws)
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to surface with or encase in a sheath or sheathing
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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sheathesimple
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sheathessimple
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have sheathedperfect
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has sheathedperfect
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am sheathingprogressive
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are sheathingprogressive
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is sheathingprogressive
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have been sheathingperfect progressive
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has been sheathingperfect progressive
Past
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sheathedsimple
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had sheathedperfect
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was sheathingprogressive
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were sheathingprogressive
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had been sheathingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of sheathe
1350–1400; Middle English shethen, derivative of sheath
Explanation
The verb sheathe means to place in a sheath. What's a sheath? Well, that's any kind of protective covering. With that extra "e" on the end sheathe gives off a very old English vibe. Perhaps that's because all those knights were often sheathing their swords so as not to scare the fair ladies. Those knights were also sheathed in armor when going into battle or setting off to joust. These days, with medieval armaments in low demand, not much gets sheathed — except maybe the kitchen knives in the knife block or your cat's claws when they retract.
Vocabulary lists containing sheathe
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“You do not want to anger him. Sheathe your steel, ser. Leathers, take Wun Wun back to Hardin’s.”
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Colonel Humphreys is fully up to the regulation standard:— "In lore of nations skilled and brave in arms, See Humphreys glorious from the field retire, Sheathe the glad sword and string the sounding lyre."
From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 88, February, 1865 by Various
Bow before thy virtuous elder as before the gods in heaven, Sheathe thy sword and quell thy passion, be thy hasty sin forgiven!”
From Maha-bharata The Epic of Ancient India Condensed into English Verse by Dutt, Romesh
Sheathe your sword, I command you, General!" exclaimed the Duke, "and sound the retreat.
From Old Mortality, Volume 2. by Scott, Walter, Sir
"Sheathe your sword, Sir," said Dr. Upround, in a voice which amazed the officer.
From Mary Anerley : a Yorkshire Tale by Blackmore, R. D. (Richard Doddridge)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
