sheathe

[sheeth]

verb (used with object)

sheathed, sheathing 

1. to put (a sword, dagger, etc.) into a sheath.

2. to plunge (a sword, dagger, etc.) in something as if in a sheath.

3. to enclose in or as if in a casing or covering.

4. to cover or provide with a protective layer or sheathing.

   to sheathe a roof with copper.

5. to cover (a cable, electrical connector, etc.) with a metal sheath for grounding.

sheathe

/ ʃiːð /

verb

1. to insert (a knife, sword, etc) into a sheath

2. (esp of cats) to retract (the claws)

3. to surface with or encase in a sheath or sheathing

Other Word Forms

• sheather noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheathe¹

1350–1400; Middle English shethen, derivative of sheath

Example Sentences

"We strongly advise that you keep this tool concealed, sheathed, and out of sight in public places – preferably in a gardening bag or toolbox rather than on your belt," it added.

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A graduate of music videos, Saxon — like the Gondrys and Jonzes before him — excels at sheathing his yarn in idiosyncratic humor, atmosphere and technique.

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A gate in the barrier opened and Border Patrol, Marines and Army officials showed reporters how both fences were now sheathed in concertina wire.

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At its heart was a 12ft tall emblem of the Hindu god Shiva, sheathed in gold encrusted with rubies and pearls.

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One foot was bare, the other was sheathed in a dirty sock.

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Related Words

• encase