Definition

1. Noun:
   • A close-fitting dress, typically worn for formal occasions: A sheath is a type of woman's dress that is narrow and fits the body closely, often without a waist seam.
   • A protective covering or case for a blade or tool: A sheath is a close-fitting cover, often made of leather, plastic, or metal, in which a knife, sword, or similar bladed tool is kept for safety and protection.
   • (Biology) An enveloping structure or covering: In biology, a sheath is a tubular structure that encloses or surrounds an organ or part of an organism, such as a nerve or muscle.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Clothing):

  • She wore a simple black sheath to the gala.
  • The designer is known for her elegant silk sheaths.

• Noun (Covering for a blade):

  • He slid the dagger back into its leather sheath.
  • Always keep the knife in its sheath when not in use.

• Noun (Biology):

  • The myelin sheath insulates the nerve fiber.
  • The leaf sheath wraps around the stem of the plant.

Advanced Usage

• "To sheathe" (verb): The act of putting something into a sheath.
  • He sheathed his sword after the battle.
• "Sheath knife": A knife carried in a sheath, typically worn on a belt.
  • The hunter carried a sturdy sheath knife.

Variants and Related Words

• Sheathe (verb): To put into or provide with a sheath.
• Sheathing (noun): A protective covering or layer.
• Sheathless (adjective): Lacking a sheath.
• Sheathy (adjective): Resembling or forming a sheath.

Synonyms

• Case: A container or protective covering.
• Scabbard: A sheath for a sword, dagger, or bayonet.
• Covering: Something that covers or encloses.
• Housing: A protective cover or casing for a mechanism.

Related Phrases

• In sheath: Enclosed or covered by a sheath.
  • The bayonet was kept in sheath during the march.
• Draw from the sheath: To remove a blade from its protective cover.
  • The soldier drew his sword from its sheath.

Related Idioms

• (To be) a double-edged sword in a velvet sheath: Something that appears pleasant or harmless but is actually dangerous or has significant drawbacks.
  • His charming offer was a double-edged sword in a velvet sheath.

Noun

1. a dress suitable for formal occasions
2. an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part
3. a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)