The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sheaf \Sheaf\, n.; pl. Sheaves. [OE. sheef, shef, schef, AS.
   sce['a]f; akin to D. schoof, OHG. scoub, G. schaub, Icel.
   skauf a fox's brush, and E. shove. See Shove.]
   1. A quantity of the stalks and ears of wheat, rye, or other
      grain, bound together; a bundle of grain or straw.
      [1913 Webster]

            The reaper fills his greedy hands,
            And binds the golden sheaves in brittle bands.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Any collection of things bound together; a bundle;
      specifically, a bundle of arrows sufficient to fill a
      quiver, or the allowance of each archer, -- usually
      twenty-four.
      [1913 Webster]

            The sheaf of arrows shook and rattled in the case.
                                                  --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]