quarterstaff

[ kwawr-ter-staf, -stahf ]

noun

, plural quar·ter·staves [kwawr, -ter-steyvz], quar·ter·staffs.

1. a former English weapon consisting of a stout pole 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long, tipped with iron.
2. exercise or fighting with this weapon.

quarterstaff

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌstɑːf /

noun

1. a stout iron-tipped wooden staff about 6ft long, formerly used in England as a weapon
2. the use of such a staff in fighting, sport, or exercise

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterstaff¹

First recorded in 1540–50; quarter + staff ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterstaff¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Across 18 short chapters, there's cracking dialogue and a lot of action – sword and shield, wrestling, boxing, quarterstaff.

From The Guardian

Chairs at precisely half-past ten o'clock and I must request you, my lords, ladies and gentlemen, to warn your chairmen that quarterstaff play with the poles will be visited with your acutest displeasure.

From Project Gutenberg

The outlaws—for such they seemed—were roughly clad in gray homespun and Lincoln green, and armed with bows and quarterstaves.

From Project Gutenberg

In his right hand he carried a quarterstaff, which he used as a walking-stick.

From Project Gutenberg

And yet none quicker than he at ball or quintain, none braver at quarterstaff.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• business
• staff