sickle

Definition

An implement having a semicircular blade and short handle, used for cutting long grass and cereal crops.

Etymology

From Middle English sikel (also assibilated in sichel), from Old English sicol, siċel, from Proto-West Germanic *sikilu, itself borrowed from Latin sēcula (“sickle”) or sīcīlis (“sickle”). Cognate with Dutch sikkel, German Sichel. Remotely related with English scythe and saw.

Example Sentences

• "Coordinate term: scythe"
• "Lou's not Times foole, though roſie lips and cheeks VVithin his bending ſickles compaſſe come, Loue alters not with his breefe houres and vveekes, But beares it out euen to the edge of doome: If this be error and vpon me proued, I neuer vvrit, nor no man euer loued."
• "Oft did the harveſt to their ſickle yield, Their furrow oft the ſtubborn glebe has broke; How jocund did they drive their team afield! How bow’d the woods beneath their ſturdy ſtroke!"