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

When this was finished he very often played a bout of singlestick, or underwent some other severe muscular exertion.

From Project Gutenberg

I am fairly good at fence, and excellent as any at singlestick.

From Project Gutenberg

It was, to use the term of the old-fashioned singlestick players, “first blood,” and the sight thereof had a disastrous effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Thou art a deft hand at quarterstaff and singlestick, though, and I doubt not that thy hands can guard thy head.

From Project Gutenberg

George Fairburn had ever been an adept at all school games, and had spent many a leisure hour at singlestick.

From Project Gutenberg