SIEVE (O.E. sife, older

See also:

• SIBI

sibi, cf. Dutch zeef, Ger. Sieb; from the subst. comes O.E. siftan, to sift)  , an instrument or apparatus for separating finer particles from coarser . The common sieve is a net of wires or other material stretched across a frame-work with raised edges; the material to be sifted is then shaken or pressed upon the net so that the finer particles pass through the mesh and the coarser remain . The word " screen " is usually applied to such instruments with large mesh for coarse work, and " strainer " for those used in the separation of liquids or semi-liquids from solid matter . In the separation of meal from bran " bolting-clothes " are used . There was an early form of divination known as coscinomancy (Gr . Kb0Kavov, sieve, pavreta, divination), where a sieve was hung or attached to a pair of shears, whence the name sometimes given to it of " sieve and shears "; the turning or movement of the sieve at the naming of a person suspected of a crime or other act, coupled with the repetition of an incantation or other magic formula, decided the guilt or innocence of the person .