sheathed

Everyday

1. Past form of «sheathe»: put a knife or sword back into its cover. tree →
2. (adjective) Covered or wrapped in a close-fitting layer, as in «steel-sheathed» or «sheathed in ice». tree →
3. (of a cat's claws) Pulled back in, not showing. tree →

In the lessons

In stories «he sheathed his sword» means the fight is over or he chose peace. In science and design «sheathed» describes things wrapped in a protective layer, like cables sheathed in plastic or a ship's hull sheathed in copper. Cats keep their claws sheathed when they walk so they stay sharp.

Examples

• The knight sheathed his sword and bowed. tree →
• The old ship was sheathed in copper to protect it from worms. tree →
• The branches were sheathed in ice after the freezing rain. tree →
• The cat's claws stayed sheathed while it played gently. tree →
• The wires are sheathed in rubber so they are safe to touch. tree →
• She sheathed the knife before handing it back. tree →
• The tower is sheathed in glass that shines in the sun. tree →
• Take this knife," he continued, handing her one that hung sheathed from his belt, "and every now and then draw it out and look at it. tree →

Note

Regular verb: sheathe, sheathed. Say the «th» softly, as in «breathe». Do not mix up with the noun «sheath». «Unsheathed» means taken out of its cover, ready to use.