Sickle (?), n. [OE. sikel, AS. sicol; akin to D. sikkel, G. sichel, OHG. sihhila, Dan. segel, segl, L. secula, fr. secare to cut; or perhaps from L. secula. See Saw a cutting instrument.]
1. A reaping instrument consisting of a steel blade curved into the form of a hook, and having a handle fitted on a tang. The sickle has one side of the blade notched, so as always to sharpen with a serrated edge. Cf. Reaping hook, under Reap.
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When corn has once felt the sickle, it has no more benefit from the sunshine. Shak.
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2. (Astron.) A group of stars in the constellation Leo. See Illust. of Leo.
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Sickle pod (Bot.), a kind of rock cress (Arabis Canadensis) having very long curved pods.
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