King James Bible Dictionary

Used in brick-making (Exodus 5:7-18). Used figuratively in Job 41:27; Isaiah 11:7; 25:10; 65:25.

Used for provender
Genesis 24:32; Isaiah 65:25

Used for brick
Exodus 5:7

Both wheat and barley straw were used by the ancient Hebrews chiefly as fodder for the horses cattle and camels. (Genesis 24:25; 1 Kings 4:28; Isaiah 11:7; 66:25) There is no intimation that straw was used for litter. It was employed by the Egyptians for making bricks, (Exodus 5:7,16) being chopped up and mixed with the clay to make them more compact and to prevent their cracking. [BRICK] The ancient Egyptians reaped their corn close to the ear, and afterward cut the straw close to the ground and laid it by. This was the straw that Pharaoh refused to give to the Isr'lites who were therefore compelled to gather "stubble" instead

a matter of considerable difficulty, seeing that the straw itself had been cut off near to the ground.

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.]

STRAWBERRY, noun [straw and berry.] A plant and its fruit, of the genus Fragaria. Strawberries are of various kinds, all delicious fruit.

STRAWBERRY-TREE, noun An evergreen tree of the genus Arbutus; the fruit is of a fleshy substance, like a strawberry.

STRAW-BUILT, adjective [straw and built.] Constructed of straw; as the suburbs of a straw-built citadel.

STRAW-COLOR, noun The color of dry straw; a beautiful yellowish color.

STRAW-COLORED, adjective Of a light yellow, the color of dry straw.

STRAW-CUTTER, noun An instrument to cut straw for fodder.

STRAW-DRAIN, noun A drain filled with straw.

STRAW-STUFFED, adjective Stuffed with straw.

STRAW-WORM, noun [straw and worm.] A worm bred in straw.

STRAWY, adjective

1. Made of straw; consisting of straw.

2. Like straw; light.