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.]
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