Scythe | n. [ OE. sithe, AS. sīðe, sigðe; akin to Icel. sigðr a sickle, LG. segd, seged, seed, seid, OHG. segansa sickle, scythe, G. sense scythe, and to E. saw a cutting instrument. See Saw. ] [ Written also sithe and sythe. ] 1. An instrument for mowing grass, grain, or the like, by hand, composed of a long, curving blade, with a sharp edge, made fast to a long handle, called a snath, which is bent into a form convenient for use. [ 1913 Webster ] The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ] Whatever thing The scythe of Time mows down. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Antiq.) A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war chariots. [ 1913 Webster ] |