Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1755, 1867, 1941
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SHEATH, n. Also shaed (Sh. 1897 Shetland News (9 Oct.)). [ʃiθ, ʃeθ; Sh. ʃed]
1. As in Eng., the case for a knife-blade. Comb. sheath-whittle, a sheath-knife (Kcb. 1896 Crockett Grey Man xlvii.).
2. Sc. usage: a pad of stuffed straw, feathers or horsehair, worn on a belt round the waist and usually covered with leather with perforations, into which are thrust the ends of the needles not in use by a woman when knitting (Sh., n., e. and wm.Sc. 1970). Also in Eng. dial. Comb. knitting-sheath, id.Sc. 1755 Smollett Don Quixote IV. xvi.:
In making knitting-sheaths and plain-work.Fif. 1867 S. Tytler Diamond Rose ii. v.:
The white feathers of a sea-gull for her knitting-sheath, which she may pin to her side.Bnff. 1941 Abd. Univ. Review (Spring) 93:
He'd sheaths for the wyvin.
