Straw
v. t.
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To spread or scatter. See Strew, and Strow.
Straw
n.
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A stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, etc., especially of wheat, rye, oats, barley, more rarely of buckwheat, beans, and pease.
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The gathered and thrashed stalks of certain species of grain, etc.; as, a bundle, or a load, of rye straw.
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Anything proverbially worthless; the least possible thing; a mere trifle.
I set not a straw by thy dreamings.
Phrases & Compounds
- Man of straw
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an effigy formed by stuffing the garments of a man with straw; hence, a fictitious person; an irresponsible person; a puppet.
- Straw bail
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worthless bail, as being given by irresponsible persons.
- Straw bid
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a worthless bid; a bid for a contract which the bidder is unable or unwilling to fulfill.
- Straw cat
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the pampas cat.
- Straw color
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the color of dry straw, being a delicate yellow.
- Straw drain
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a drain filled with straw.
- Straw plait
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a strip formed by plaiting straws, used for making hats, bonnets, etc.
- To be in the straw
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to be brought to bed, as a pregnant woman.