handstaff

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English[edit]

Etymology[edit]

From Middle English hond staffe; equivalent to hand +‎ staff.

Noun[edit]

handstaff (plural handstaffs or handstaves)

  1. The part of a flail that is held in the hand.
    Coordinate term: swipple
  2. (obsolete) A weapon mentioned in the Bible (Ezekiel), perhaps a javelin.

Translations[edit]