— sheathless , adj. — sheathlike, sheathy , adj.
/sheeth/ , n. , pl. sheaths /sheedhz/ , v.
n.
1. a case or covering for the blade of a sword, dagger, or the like.
2. any similar close-fitting covering or case.
3. a condom.
4. Biol. a closely enveloping part or structure, as in an animal or plant.
5. Bot. the leaf base when it forms a vertical coating surrounding the stem.
6. a close-fitting dress, skirt, or coat, esp. an unbelted dress with a straight drape.
7. Elect. the metal covering of a cable.
8. Electronics.
a. the metal wall of a wave guide.
b. a space charge formed by ions near an electrode in a tube containing low-pressure gas.
c. the region of a space charge in a cathode-ray tube.
v.t.
9. to sheathe.
[ bef. 950; ME s ( c ) heth ( e ), OE sceath; c. G Scheide; see SHED 2 ]