jack staff

noun

1. a flagstaff at the bow of a vessel, on which a jack is flown.

Word History and Origins

Origin of jack staff¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

Ten minutes later the steamer is under way again, with no flag on the jack-staff and no black smoke issuing from the chimneys.

From Project Gutenberg

Every outward-bound boat had its flag flying at the jack-staff, and sometimes a duplicate on the verge staff astern.

From Project Gutenberg

The Captain of the transport, his face purple with passion, was rushing towards the jack-staff.

From Project Gutenberg

Don't appear to be any night-hawk on the jack-staff—it's the Amaranth, dead sure!

From Project Gutenberg

From the stoke-hole to the funnel, from the jack-staff to the rudder, she explored that boat.

From Project Gutenberg