coup stick

[ koo ]

noun

1. a stick with which some North American Indian warriors sought to touch their enemies in battle as a sign of courage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of coup stick¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

For most Republicans, it would probably be easier to "move on" from the insurrection, which is to say talk about anything else while quietly supporting legislative efforts to make the next coup stick.

From Salon

Refusing vaccines and prolonging the pandemic is one small way that the average GOP voter can do their part to help make the next coup stick.

From Salon

The chief stepped forward, removed the war bonnet from his head and placed it and his warrior’s coup stick on the sarcophagus to commemorate the American Indians who served a country that just a couple of decades earlier was at war with them, Mr. O’Donnell wrote in his history.

From Washington Times

Chief Plenty Coups, the leader of Crow Nation who was invited to attend the ceremony, laid a war bonnet and a rod known as a coup stick across the coffin.

From New York Times

Fluttering at the end of his "coup" stick or stuck in his headgear, a small square of white towelling or flour-sack, with a centre daub of red paint, is displayed to the breeze, and, under his new ensign, Mr. Lo rides complacently along, convinced that he has entered upon his campaign with "good medicine."

From Project Gutenberg