pikestaff

[ pahyk-staf, -stahf ]

noun

, plural pike·staves [pahyk, -steyvz].

1. the shaft of an infantry pike.
2. a foot traveler's staff with a metal point or spike at the lower end.

pikestaff

/ ˈpaɪkˌstɑːf /

noun

1. the wooden handle of a pike

Word History and Origins

Origin of pikestaff¹

First recorded in 1325–75, pikestaff is from the Middle English word pykstaf. See pike ⁵, staff ¹

Example Sentences

And all the branches strut right up to the sky and the whole tree shoots up, straight and proud as a pikestaff.

From Project Gutenberg

"It's plain as a pikestaff, if you'll excuse me," Mr. Rogers answered her.

From Project Gutenberg

The plain pikestaff is your style, morally speaking—if any one knows what a pikestaff is.

From Project Gutenberg

They started for this purpose in company, Tom armed with his two-handed sword, and the tinker with his long pikestaff.

From Project Gutenberg

Among the howling and racing men were two who carried each a human head on a pikestaff.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pole
• rod
• walking stick