A scythe ( /ˈsaɪð/) is an agricultural hand tool for mowing grass, or reaping crops. It was largely replaced by horse-drawn and then tractor machinery, but is still used in some areas of Europe and Asia. The Grim Reaper and the Greek god Cronus are often depicted carrying or wielding a scythe.
Read more about Scythe: Etymology, Structure, Use, History, Scythes in National Cultures, Mythology, War Scythe
Famous quotes containing the word scythe:
“Old Day the gardener seemed
Death himself, or Time, scythe in hand
by the sundial and freshly-dug
grave in my book of parables.”
—Denise Levertov (b. 1923)
“Time doth transfix the flourish set on youth
And delves the parallels in beauty’s brow,
Feeds on the rarities of nature’s truth,
And nothing stands but for his scythe to mow:
And yet to times in hope my verse shall stand,
Praising thy worth, despite his cruel hand.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“this scythe that mows down kings
Exempts no meaner mortal things.”
—Francis Beaumont (1584-1616)