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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sheaf \Sheaf\, n.; pl. Sheaves. [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS. sce['a]f; akin to D. schoof, OHG. scoub, G. schaub, Icel. skauf a fox's brush, and E. shove. See Shove.] 1. A quantity of the stalks and ears of wheat, rye, or other grain, bound together; a bundle of grain or straw. [1913 Webster] The reaper fills his greedy hands, And binds the golden sheaves in brittle bands. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 2. Any collection of things bound together; a bundle; specifically, a bundle of arrows sufficient to fill a quiver, or the allowance of each archer, -- usually twenty-four. [1913 Webster] The sheaf of arrows shook and rattled in the case. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]