sheathe

[ sheeth ]

verb (used with object)

, sheathed, sheath·ing.

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 Words From

• sheather noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sheathe¹

1350–1400; Middle English shethen, derivative of sheath

Example Sentences

The objects include stone knives with handles made of grass resin sheathed in paperbark bound with string.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of this metal was embedded into the mortar joints of the chimney, and the rest of the flashing was attached to the wooden roof sheathing.

From Seattle Times

Sergeant Ruiz and other officers tangled with Mr. Bonawitz, who is 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs nearly 300 pounds, before confiscating an eight-inch knife he had sheathed on his hip, prosecutors said.

From New York Times

Was it because, while each character dresses conservatively, Flo’s wardrobe obliterates any trace of curves by sheathing her in a bulky apron?

From New York Times

The room is now lighter and brighter, with walls sheathed in rippling beech wood and the stage clad in white oak.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• encase