Bundle of straw

[Baski]

Do you have a specific word in english for a bundle of straw, often kept toghther with a piece of yarn or string (tight in the middle)? And the straws still have the ear of grain on...

Strange question? well, yes I´am sure of it...

[David L.]

a bale of hay (straw) and a sheaf of wheat or other grain stalks (that is, still with their heads of grain attached), tied together after reaping. (Plural: sheaves)

[Baski]

a bale of hay (straw) and a sheaf of wheat or other grain stalks (that is, still with their heads of grain attached), tied together after reaping. (Plural: sheaves)

Wow, it didn´t take long to get an answer. Thanks.

[vil]

Hi Baski,

Some of your definitions need filling out. I looked up a word in the dictionary namely wisp.

wisp = a small bundle of straw or hay

wisp = a small bunch or bundle, as of straw, hair or grass

wisp = a bundle of dried plant stalks, suitable for building scarecrows or lure traps.

To the best of my knowledge, long time ago my forefathers bound the shaves with the help of the wisps.

Regards.

V.

[David L.]

What dictionary is this?

I checked my understanding of wisp (just in case I've been mistaken all my life) but two dictionaries agree with my concept of this word, that a wisp, as in a wisp of hair, is just a few strands, a small tuft at most. If somebody said to me 'a wisp of straw in their hair', it would suggest one or perhaps two longish pieces of a few inches, or a few very small ones. I can't see 'wisp' as a small bundle (compared to a sheaf being large).

As I say, what dictionary is this that you are referencing?

[vil]

Hi David L.,

As a rule I use my old English-Bulgarian Dictionary but it is of no importance for you. There are many other English Dictionary where you might find the word in question if the will is there.

Encarta World Dictionary wisp = a small bundle of straw or hay
Compact Oxford English Dictionary wisp = a small thin bunch, strand, or amount of something
Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary wisp = a small handful (as of hay or straw)
The Wordsmyth English Dictionary-Thesaurus wisp = a thin bundle, bunch, tuft, streak, or the like, as of straw, hair, or smoke
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language A wisp = small bunch or bundle, as of straw, hair, or grass.
Online Etymology Dictionary wisp = handful or bundle of hay, grass, etc perhaps from an unrecorded O.E. word, cognate with Norw. and Swed. visp "wisp," of unknown origin; sometimes said to be connected with whisk or with M.L.G. and M.Du. wispel "a measure of grain." Meaning "thin, filmy portion"
……and many other….

The old farmers in my country bound the sheaves with the help of the wisps in the place of rope, wire or pack-thread.

Regards.

V.