Scythe (sīth), 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.
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The sharp-edged scythe shears up the spiring grass. Drayton.
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Whatever thing
The scythe of Time mows down. Milton.
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2. (Antiq.) A scythe-shaped blade attached to ancient war chariots.
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