A.vessel or implement of any kind, in sg., Ar.Th.402, Th.4.128; in dual, “σκεύη δύο χρησίμω” Ar.Eq.983, cf. Pl.R.596b; and in pl., κλῖναι καὶ . . τἆλλα σκεύη ib.373a, al.:—but the pl. is freq. used in a collective sense, all that belongs to a complete outfit, house-gear, utensils, chattels, opp. live-stock and fixtures, Ar.Pax 1318, Lys.19.31, etc.; ς. γεωργικά farming implements, Ar.Pax552; ἱερὰ ς. sacred vessels and implements, Th.2.13, cf. IG12.313.20; a druggist's stores, Thphr.HP9.17.3; ς. τὰ ἐπιτράπεζα table-furniture, Id.Lap.42; military accoutrements, equipment, τὰ περὶ τὸ σῶμα ς. Th.6.31; τὰ τῶν ἵππων ς. X.Cyr.4.5.55; baggage of an army, and, generally, baggage, luggage, Ar.Ra.12, 15, X.Mem.3.13.6; ὄνοι αὐτοῖς σκεύεσι packs and all, Id.HG5.4.17; tackle, gear of ships, naval stores, etc., IG12.74.14, 22.1611.10, Pl.Criti.117d, La.183e, X.Oec.8.11, Arist. Ath.46.1; “ς. τριηρικά” D.47.19; τὰ σκέα (῀ σκεύη)“ τοῦ πλοίου” PSI4.437.2 (iii B.C.) (so, collectively, in sg., Act.Ap.27.17): various kinds of σκεύη catalogued by Pollux (10).
2. inanimate object, thing, opp. ζῷον, σῶμα, Pl.R.601d, Grg.506d; opp. ὄργανον, Democr. 159; Protagoras gave the name of σκεύη to neut. nouns, “ἄρρενα καὶ θήλεα καὶ σκεύη” Arist.Rh.1407b8; ὑπηρετικὸν ς. a subordinate person, a mere tool or chattel, Plb.13.5.7; “ς. ἀγχίνουν καὶ πολυχρόνιον” Id.15.25.1: in NT, in good sense, ς. ἐκλογῆς a chosen instrument, of Paul, Act.Ap.9.15.
II. τὸ ς. the body, as the vessel of the soul, a metaph. clearly expressed in 2 Ep.Cor.4.7, ἔχομεν δὲ τὸν θησαυρὸν τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν, cf. 1 Ep.Thess.4.4, 1 Ep.Pet. 3.7.
IV. sarcophagus, Jahresh.26 Beibl.13 (Ephesus, ii A.D.).