An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

1) An implement for cutting grain, grass, etc., consisting of a curved, hooklike blade mounted in a short handle.
2) → Sickle of Leo.

M.E. sikel, O.E. sicol; cf. Du. sikkel, Ger. Sichel, ultimately from L. secula "sickle," from PIE root *sek- "to cut," → section.

Das "sickle," Mid.Pers. dâs "sickle;" variant dahre, → scythe; Wakhi δətr, Parachi dêš "sickle;" ultimately from Proto-Iranian *dāθra-; cf. Skt. dātra- "sickle, scythe."

A sickle-shaped → asterism forming the back of the Lion's head. It is marked by six stars: ε Leonis, μ Leonis, ζ Leonis, γ Leonis, η Leonis, and α Leonis (→ Regulus).

→ sickle; → Leo.