n. An instrument for separating the finer from the coarser parts of disintegrated matter, by shaking it so as to force the former through meshes too small for the latter to pass. Sieves are made in many forms for a great variety of uses. See hair-siere, scarce, screen, bolting-cloth, etc.n. Something for other use shaped like or in some way resembling the common circular sieve.n. A wide sheepskin-covered hoop used in some localities for holding wool.n. In calico-printing, a cloth extending over a vat which contains the color.n. Figuratively, a thing which lacks closeness of texture, or a person who lacks closeness of disposition; especially, a very frank or free-spoken person; one who lets out all that he knows.To cause the finer parts of to pass through or as if through a sieve; sift.