1. Fire that makes it difficult for the enemy to fire on one's own individuals or formations; SYN. covering fire.
2. The act of concealing the existence of something by obstructing the view of it; SYN. covering, screening, masking.
ETYM Old Eng. scaubert, scauberk, Old Fren. escaubers, escauberz, pl., scabbards, probably of German or Scan. origin; cf. Icel. skâlpr scabbard, and German bergen to conceal. Related to Hauberk.
A sheath for a sword or dagger or bayonet.
ETYM Old Eng. schethe, as. scaeth, sceáth, scęth; akin to os. skęthia, Dutch scheede, German scheide, Old High Germ. sceida, Swed. skida, Dan. skede, Icel. skeithir, pl., and to Eng. shed, v.t, originally meaning, to separate, to part. Related to Shed.
1. A protective case for a knife or sword.
2. An enveloping structure or covering enclosing an animal or plant organ or part; SYN. case.