4 definitions found for sythe

Sythe SYTHE, n. [Heb. an ax.]
1. An instrument for mowing grass, or cutting other grain or vegetables. It consists of a long curving blade with a sharp edge, made fast to a handle, which in New England is called a snath, and which is bent into a convenient form for swinging the blade to advantage. The blade is hung to the snath at an acute angle.
In mythology, Saturn or Time is represented with a sythe, the emblem of destruction.
2. The curved sharp blade used anciently in war chariots.
SYTHE, v.t. To mow. [Not in use.]

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.

Syth Syth, Sythe Sythe, prep., adv., conj. & n. See Sith, Sithe. [Obs.] --Chaucer. --Piers Plowman.

Sythe Sythe, n. Scythe. [Obs. or R.]