knobkerrie

[ nob-ker-ee ]

noun

1. a short, heavy wooden club with a knob on one end, used especially by native peoples of South Africa for striking and throwing.

knobkerrie

/ ˈnɒbˌkɛrɪ; ˈnɒbˌstɪk /

noun

1. a stick with a round knob at the end, used as a club or missile by South African tribesmen

Word History and Origins

Origin of knobkerrie¹

1835–45; < Afrikaans knopkierie, equivalent to knop knob + kierie, said to be < Khoikhoi kirri, keeri stick

Word History and Origins

Origin of knobkerrie¹

C19: from Afrikaans knopkierie, from knop knob, from Middle Dutch cnoppe + kierie stick, from Khoikhoi kīrri

Example Sentences

I was given a uniform, a new pair of boots, a helmet, a flashlight, a whistle, and a knobkerrie, which is a long wooden stick with a heavy ball of wood at one end.

From Literature

Mphiwa is carrying a rusted spear and a knobkerrie club in his hand, both of which he flourishes as he talks to the young men.

From BBC

They had been armed with muskets, and each carried a heavy knobkerrie.

From Project Gutenberg

She said a machete-like knife and a traditional knobkerrie club were found near him.

From New York Times

She said a machete was found on his body and a knobkerrie -- a wooden staff with a rounded head -- next to his bed.

From New York Times