night stick

American  

noun

1. a special club carried by a policeman; billy.

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night stick British  

noun

1. British equivalent: truncheon.  a heavy baton or club carried by a policeman, prima

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Etymology

Origin of night stick

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

Example Sentences

“The other horses hate that he gets this stuff,” he said as he laid a blue police department blanket on Trooper’s back and then an English saddle equipped with an old-fashioned night stick.

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2019

“People feel powerless next to a cop with a gun and a night stick and a can of pepper spray,” he says.

From Slate • Apr. 9, 2015

Another antiquated law unearthed by John Davis provides a $100 minimum fine for anyone who carries a "pistol, dirk, dagger, slingshot, handchain, night stick, sword cane, spear or bowie knife."

From Time Magazine Archive

Britain's police, armed only with a night stick, still believe in pounding a beat.

From Time Magazine Archive

A white policeman watched from the corner, twirling his night stick; but he made no move.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright