tipstaff

American  

[tip-staf, -stahf] / ˈtɪpˌstæf, -ˌstɑf /

noun

plural

tipstaves, tipstaffs

1. an attendant or crier in a court of law.

2. a staff tipped with metal, formerly carried as a badge of office, as by a constable.

3. any official who carried such a staff.

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tipstaff British  

/ ˈtɪpˌstɑːf /

noun

1. a court official having miscellaneous duties, mostly concerned with the maintenance of order in court

2. a metal-tipped staff formerly used as a symbol of office

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Etymology

Origin of tipstaff

1535–45; shortened form of earlier tipped staff; tip ¹, -ed ³, staff ¹

Example Sentences

Preceded by his tipstaff wearing a black frock coat and carrying a white staff topped with an elaborate gold crown, in came the judge.

From The Guardian • Mar. 19, 2017

He had reached his lodgings, half-turned at the door, and saw behind him the Court tipstaff, who had been sent after him.

From Outback Marriage, an : a story of Australian life by Paterson, A. B. (Andrew Barton)

That is the signal when their privileges are invaded by tipstaff or bailiff; and at the blast of the horn they all swarm out to the rescue, as bees when their hive is disturbed.—Jump,

From The Fortunes of Nigel by Scott, Walter, Sir

They had even proceeded so far as to furnish a tipstaff with the order to clear the rooms.

From Biographies of Distinguished Scientific Men by Grant, Robert

Cavalcanti took a step forward, his face purple with anger that this tipstaff ruffian should take such a tone with him.

From The Strolling Saint; being the confessions of the high and mighty Agostino D'Anguissola, tyrant of Mondolfo and Lord of Carmina in the state of Piacenza by Sabatini, Rafael