/ ʃiːθ; NAmE / noun ( pl. sheaths / ʃiːðz; NAmE /)
1.
a cover that fits closely over the blade of a knife or other sharp weapon or tool
2.
any covering that fits closely over sth for protection :
the sheath around an electric cable
3.
( BrE ) = condom
4.
a woman's dress that fits the body closely
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English scǣth , scēath scabbard , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch schede , German Scheide , also to the verb shed .