Now dial. In 7 pl. stiches. [Of uncertain origin; identity with STITCH sb.1 or sb.2 is possible.] A shock of corn consisting of a number of sheaves set up together in the field.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 462. When the corne was newly reaped and cut downe, seeing the shocks and sheaves, cocks and stiches rannged even and orderly,… he rejoiced.
1838. Holloway, Prov. Dict., Stitch, ten sheaves of corn set up together in the field; a shock of corn.
1891. T. Hardy, Tess, xiv. Every one placing her sheaf on end against those of the rest, till a shock, or ‘stitch’ as it was here called, of ten or a dozen was formed.
