sheathe

/ʃið/

Other forms: sheathed; sheathing; sheathes

The verb sheathe means to place in a sheath. What's a sheath? Well, that's any kind of protective covering.

With that extra "e" on the end sheathe gives off a very old English vibe. Perhaps that's because all those knights were often sheathing their swords so as not to scare the fair ladies. Those knights were also sheathed in armor when going into battle or setting off to joust. These days, with medieval armaments in low demand, not much gets sheathed — except maybe the kitchen knives in the knife block or your cat's claws when they retract.

Definitions of sheathe

1. verb

   enclose with a sheath
   “sheathe a sword”

   antonyms:

   unsheathe

   draw from a sheath or scabbard

   type of:

   enclose, enfold, envelop, enwrap, wrap

   enclose or enfold completely with or as if with a covering
2. verb

   cover with a protective sheathing
   “sheathe her face”

   types:

   invaginate

   sheathe

   type of:

   cover

   provide with a covering or cause to be covered
3. verb

   plunge or bury (a knife or sword) in flesh
   type of:

   immerse, plunge

   thrust or throw into