sheath knife

English

Alternative forms

• sheath-knife

Noun

sheath knife (plural sheath knives)

1. A knife with a fixed blade that fits in a protective sheath when not in use; such a knife may be small (serving as a neck knife, boot knife, or pocketknife) or large (hung on a belt).
   • 1877, R. Elton Smile [Elton Romeo Smilie], chapter III, in The Manatitlans; or a Record of Scientific Explorations in the Andean La Plata, S. A., Buenos Ayres: Calla Derecho, Imprenta De Razon, page 26:

     Preparing a running noose they slipped it over his arms, pinioning them to his side, and then proceeded with sheath knife and marline-spike to open his mouth for investigation, but not without strenuous efforts on the part of the subject for revengeful retaliation.

   • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 159:

     But when he saw this he loosened his sheath-knife and held it ready.

Coordinate terms

• clasp-knife, clasp knife, folding knife, folder

See also

• scabbard