In English Death is usually given the name Grim Reaper and from the 15th century to now , the Grim Reaper is shown as a human Skeleton holding a scythe and clothed with a black cloak with a hood . In English , Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and , from the 15th century onwards , came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with a hood .