I. ˈskabə(r)d noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English scauberc, scaubert from Anglo-French escaubers, escauberz (plural), of Germanic origin, from a compound whose first element is akin to Old High German skār blade and whose second element is akin to Old High German bergan to shelter, hide — more at shear , bury
1.
a. : a usually leather or metal sheath in which the blade of a sword, dagger, bayonet, or other cutting weapon is enclosed when not in use
b. : a sheath for carrying a hand weapon (as a carbine) or a tool (as a saw) for ready use
methods of buckling a scabbard to a saddle — William Curtis
angler's pliers in leather scabbard — advt
— compare holster
2.
[probably from Middle Low German schalbort thin board, from schale shell + bort board; akin to English scale (I) and to English board ]
: scaleboard
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
1. : to put in a scabbard
2. archaic : to beat with a scabbard as punishment