Straw — Defs

01 v. t. To spread or scatter. See Strew, and Strow.

02 n. A stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, etc., especially of wheat, rye, oats, barley, more rarely of buckwheat, beans, and pease.

1.
A stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, etc., especially of wheat, rye, oats, barley, more rarely of buckwheat, beans, and pease.
2.
The gathered and thrashed stalks of certain species of grain, etc.; as, a bundle, or a load, of rye straw.
3.
Anything proverbially worthless; the least possible thing; a mere trifle.
“I set not a straw by thy dreamings.” — Chaucer.

Phrases & compounds

Man of straw — an effigy formed by stuffing the garments of a man with straw; hence, a fictitious person; an irresponsible person; a puppet.

Straw bail — worthless bail, as being given by irresponsible persons.

Straw bid — a worthless bid; a bid for a contract which the bidder is unable or unwilling to fulfill.

Straw cat — the pampas cat.

Straw color — the color of dry straw, being a delicate yellow.

Straw drain — a drain filled with straw.

Straw plait — a strip formed by plaiting straws, used for making hats, bonnets, etc.

To be in the straw — to be brought to bed, as a pregnant woman.