swagger stick

noun

1. a short, batonlike stick, usually leather-covered, sometimes carried by army officers, soldiers, etc.

swagger stick

noun

1. a short cane or stick carried on occasion mainly by army officers

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger stick¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He led us through fields and forests, used his ever-present swagger stick to note the placement and movement of forces, and gathered his charges around him to deliver forceful and vivid descriptions of a battle.

From Washington Post

In his right hand he carried a swagger stick which occasionally he slapped against his left palm, punctuation marks for the thoughts that crowded and strutted invisibly within him.

From Literature

“If you go look at history, you’ll see swagger sticks,” said Mr. Pompeo, sitting in an armchair beneath a painting of the military school in his office.

From Wall Street Journal

But in many ways, the fact that Gen. Sharif was bowing out on time — and will pass his bamboo swagger stick to Bajwa in a formal military ceremony on Wednesday — mattered even more.

From Washington Post

Men began to wear their handkerchiefs in their sleeves and some foppish lieutenants carried swagger sticks.

From Literature