quarterstaff

American  

[kwawr-ter-staf, -stahf] / ˈkwɔr tərˌstæf, -ˌstɑf /

noun

plural

quarterstaves, quarterstaffs

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.

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quarterstaff British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of quarterstaff

First recorded in 1540–50; quarter + staff ¹

Example Sentences

On NBC, an American Gladiator is a beefcake model in a unitard swinging his padded quarterstaff.

From Time Magazine Archive

"That man-at-arms must be a stalwart fellow, indeed," said one, "to kill three Welshmen with nought but a quarterstaff."

From Both Sides the Border A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower by Peacock, Ralph

Then Kasim, who was on duty, came up whirling a quarterstaff.

From The Home and the World by Tagore, Rabindranath

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

From The Plowshare and the Sword A Tale of Old Quebec by Trevena, John

Warbel says they will bait a bull, and perhaps a bear; and that there will be fighting with the quarterstaff and shooting with cross and long bow, and many other like spectacles.

From The Secret Chamber at Chad by Everett-Green, Evelyn

Related Words

• business
• staff