singlestick

[ sing-guhl-stik ]

noun

1. a short, heavy stick.
2. (formerly)
   1. a wooden stick held in one hand, used instead of a sword in fencing.
   2. fencing with such a stick.

singlestick

/ ˈsɪŋɡəlˌstɪk /

noun

1. a wooden stick used instead of a sword for fencing
2. fencing with such a stick
3. any short heavy stick

Word History and Origins

Origin of singlestick¹

First recorded in 1765–75; single + stick ¹

Example Sentences

"But we can scarcely judge a person by what 'a's like inside. It's th' outside we ha' to do wi'." Sander lowered his singlestick and sighed.

From Literature

A member of the Omaha Musketeer Fencing Club jumped in to practice singlestick fencing.

From Washington Times

He won at the 1904 Games in singlestick — essentially fighting with canes.

From Washington Post

He was fairly expert with singlestick and rapier, and could play piquet and double-dummy bridge with more than average skill.

From Project Gutenberg

I were sitting in the schoolyard, away up in town, where a sergeant from the barracks were showing the big boys how to use a singlestick.

From Project Gutenberg