vāgīna, ae, f. [cf. vas], a scabbard, sheath.
I Lit., of a sword, Cic. Inv. 2, 4, 14; id. Marcell. 7, 57; Caes. B. G. 5, 44; Verg. A. 4, 579; 6, 260; 10, 475; Hor. S. 2, 1, 41; Ov. M. 10, 475; Val. Max. 8, 9, 2: (delphinus) pinnae aculeos velut vagina condens, Plin. 9, 8, 8, § 25; cf. id. 8, 15, 17, § 41; 7, 52, 53, § 174; 11, 37, 77, § 198.—Trop.: senatus consultum inclusum in tabulis tamquam in vaginā reconditum habere, Cic. Cat. 1, 2, 4: ut gladius ... ita vox in vaginā silentii condita hebetatur, Ap. Flor. 3, p. 357, 32.—
II Transf., the covering , sheath , holder of any thing.
1 In gen.: omnia principalia viscera membranis propriis ac velut vaginis inclusit natura, Plin. 11, 37, 77, § 198; cf.: cremato eo (corpore), inimici ... remeanti animae veluti vaginam ademerint, id. 7, 52, 53, § 174.—
2 The sheath of an ear of grain, etc., the hull , husk , Varr. R. R. 1, 48, 1 sq.; Cic. Sen. 15, 51.—Cf. of a frame or mould to shape a growing gourd, Plin. 19, 5, 24, § 70.—
3 The female vagina , Plaut. Ps. 4, 7, 85.—
4 The sheath of a claw , in cats, Plin. 8, 15, 17, § 41.