Scythe \Scythe\ (s[imac]th), n. [OE. sithe, AS. s[=i][eth]e,
sig[eth]e; akin to Icel. sig[eth]r 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.
The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass.
--Dryden.
The scythe of Time mows down. --Milton.
2. (Antiq.) A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war
chariots.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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