sheath - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

A sheath is a dress that is straight, fitted, and simple. You might advise your Aunt Martha to choose a sheath dress for her third wedding, instead of the white lace gown with the long train.

A sheath is also a protective case for a knife or a sword. The most exciting part of a staged sword fight might be the moment when the hero pulls his weapon out of its sheath. The word sheath most likely comes from the Old English scēath, meaning a divide or a split, like the split piece of wood which originally served as a sword's sheath.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: sheath

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

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: sheath

1

n a protective covering (as for a knife or sword)

Types:: show 5 types...; hide 5 types...; aglet, aiglet
metal or plastic sheath over the end of a shoelace or ribbon; cot, fingerstall
a sheath worn to protect a finger; holster
a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun; scabbard
a sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet; shoulder holster
a holster worn over your shoulder so a gun can be concealed under your jacket

Type of:: protection, protective cover, protective covering
a covering that is intend to protect from damage or injury

2

n an enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part

Synonyms:: case

Types:: show 9 types...; hide 9 types...; theca
outer sheath of the pupa of certain insects; lorica
a hard protective sheath (as secreted by certain protoctists, for example); medullary sheath, myelin sheath
a layer of myelin encasing (and insulating) the axons of medullated nerve fibers; neurilemma, neurolemma
thin membranous sheath around a nerve fiber; husk
outer membranous covering of some fruits or seeds; cornhusk
the husk of an ear of corn; hull
dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut; cod, pod, seedcase
the vessel that contains the seeds of a plant (not the seeds themselves); bract
a modified leaf or leaflike part just below and protecting an inflorescence

Type of:: cover, covering, natural covering
a natural object that covers or envelops

3

n a dress suitable for formal occasions

Synonyms:: cocktail dress

Type of:: dress, frock
a one-piece garment for a woman; has skirt and bodice