Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STRAW, n. [Sax. streow, straw, and a stratum or bed; G. stroh; D. stroo; Dan. straae; Sw. strå; L. stramentum, from sterno, stravi, stratum. See Strew.]

1. The stalk or stem of certain species of grain, pulse, &c. 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 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. – Hudibras.