STRAW, noun [G., Latin See Strew.] 1. The stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, etc. Chiefly of wheat, rye, oats, barley, buckwheat and peas. When used of single stalks, it admits of a plural, straws. Straws may show which way the wind blows. We say of grain while growing, the straw is large, or it is rusty. 2. A mass of the stalks of certain species of grain when cut, and after being thrashed; as a bundle or a load of straw In this sense, the word admits not the plural number. 3. Any thing proverbially worthless. I care not a straw for the play. I will not abate a straw STRAW, verb transitive To spread or scatter. [See Strew and Strow.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI