Spathe \Spathe\, n. [L. spatha, Gr. ?: cf. F. spathe. See Spade for digging.]

(Bot.) A special involucre formed of one leaf and inclosing a spadix, as in aroid plants and palms. See the Note under Bract, and Illust. of Spadix.

Note: The name is also given to the several-leaved involucre of the iris and other similar plants.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)