Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A curved blade with a short handle for reaping; a sickle; specifically, a sickle without the notched edge which formerly distinguished that: implement.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the sickle, as legend saith — grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden days — wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world.

    The Argonautica 2008

  • There had not been a man on Exmoor fit to work that reaping-hook since the time its owner fell, in the prime of life and strength, before

    Lorna Doone Richard Doddridge 2004

  • To this bargain she absolutely refused to accede; upon which the fellow catched up the hatchet, and threw down the nail; threatening, at the same time, that if she made any resistance, he would cut her throat with a reaping-hook which he had in his hand.

    Narrative of the Voyages Round The World, Performed by Captain James Cook 2003

  • Then he unfolded the paper and reading from it said that Astyages appointed him commander of the Persians; “and now, O Persians,” he continued, “I give you command to come to me each one with a reaping-hook.”

    The History of Herodotus Herodotus 2003

  • Like the ear of corn cut down by the reaping-hook, like the young lamb when it feels the deadly steel in its heart, he hung his head and rolled upon the grass without uttering a word.

    Taras Bulba 2003

  • To this bargain she absolutely refused to accede; upon which the fellow catched up the hatchet, and threw down the nail; threatening, at the same time, that if she made any resistance, he would cut her throat with a reaping-hook which he had in his hand.

    Narrative of the Voyages Round The World, Performed by Captain James Cook 2003

  • Like the ear of corn cut down by the reaping-hook, like the young lamb when it feels the deadly steel in its heart, he hung his head and rolled upon the grass without uttering a word.

    Taras Bulba and Other Tales 1952

  • Head; and there began the harvest in which Mr. Bass was ambitious to place the first reaping-hook.

    A Source Book of Australian History Gwendolen H. [Compiler] Swinburne

  • Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the sickle, as legend saith -- grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden days -- wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world.

    The Argonautica Apollonius Rhodius

  • Fronting the Ionian gulf there lies an island in the Ceraunian sea, rich in soil, with a harbour on both sides, beneath which lies the sickle, as legend saith -- grant me grace, O Muses, not willingly do I tell this tale of olden days -- wherewith Cronos pitilessly mutilated his father; but others call it the reaping-hook of Demeter, goddess of the nether world.

    The Argonautica Apollonius Rhodius

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