[ad. L. spatha or Gr. σπάθη: see SPATHA and cf. SPATH2. So F. spathe.]
1. Bot. A large bract or sheathing-leaf enveloping the inflorescence (usually a spadix) of certain plants, as arums, palms, etc., in such a way as completely to enclose it before expansion.
1785. Martyn, Lett. Bot., xiv. 154. These [genera] … agree in having a Spathe or sheath instead of a calyx. Ibid. (1793), Lang. Bot., s.v. Spatha, A Spathe may be one-valved, or two-valved [etc.].
1811. A. T. Thomson, Lond. Disp. (1818), 61. The spathe is erect,… covering the fruit till it is nearly ripe, when it drops.
1848. Tyas, Favourite Field Fl., Ser. I. 3. Near the summit of the flower-stalk is a spathe which originally enveloped the bud.
1870. Zoologist, Ser. II. V. 2354. A singular species of Arum, with long curling horns extending from its lurid spathes.
attrib. 1882. Garden, 17 June, 424/3. A naked stem, inflated spathe-valves, and somewhat broad leaves.
2. Zool. A spatulate or spoon-shaped part, process, etc.
1891. in Cent. Dict.
Hence Spathed a., having a spathe (Webster, 1864); Spatheful, such a number or quantity as fills a spathe.
1888. G. Allen, in Good Words, 385. The entire spatheful of pollen-bearing flowers.
