reaping machine

noun

1. any of various machines for reaping grain, often fitted with a device for automatically throwing out bundles of the cut grain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reaping machine¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The reaping machine, the harvester and machines for thrashing, winnowing and cleaning wheat for the market, have become quite indispensable to every large grain grower.’”

From Scientific American

Farmers in thinly settled parts of the country lose a foot in a reaping machine or a hand in the hay-cutting machine when there is no one near to help them but their wives, with the result that the shock to their wives proves the occasion of a similar deformity in an as yet unborn child.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not see a mowing or a reaping machine in the Tyrol, either on this or the other side of the mountains.

From Project Gutenberg

These Indians just now are creating a little apprehension, especially the tribe under the renowned Yellow Calf, who it was hoped had taken to farming, and who last year had p. 155a good crop, and bought a reaping machine; but the Indians are very restless, and Yellow Calf has sent a messenger to rouse the tribes, and a strong party of the mounted police are detached to watch his movements. 

From Project Gutenberg

In the summer of 1857 Lincoln was employed by Mr. Manny, of Rockford, Ill., to defend him in an action brought by McCormick,* who was one of the inventors of the reaping machine, for infringement of patent.

From Project Gutenberg