knobkerrie

American  

[nob-ker-ee] / ˈnɒbˌkɛr i /

noun

1. a short, heavy wooden club with a knob on one end, used especially by native peoples of South Africa for striking and throwing.

---

knobkerrie British  

/ ˈnɒbˌkɛrɪ, ˈnɒbˌstɪk /

noun

1. a stick with a round knob at the end, used as a club or missile by South African tribesmen

---

Etymology

Origin of knobkerrie

1835–45; < Afrikaans knopkierie, equivalent to knop knob + kierie, said to be < Khoikhoi kirri, keeri stick

Example Sentences

I was given a uniform, a new pair of boots, a helmet, a flashlight, a whistle, and a knobkerrie, which is a long wooden stick with a heavy ball of wood at one end.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Saxby laid his knobkerrie on the table and lit a cigarette, and Mrs. van Cannan, rising from her seat with an air of dignity outraged beyond all bounds, addressed Christine.

From Blue Aloes Stories of South Africa by Stockley, Cynthia

They had been armed with muskets, and each carried a heavy knobkerrie.

From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

Besides the spear and shield they generally carry a sword or knobkerrie, suspended from a raw-hide waist-belt; and they certainly look very ferocious in their weird-looking headdress when on the warpath.

From The Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Other East African Adventures by Selous, Frederick Courteney

His left hand bore his assegais and knobkerrie beneath the great dappled ox-hide shield; and in his right a yellow walking-staff.

From The Story of Baden-Powell 'The Wolf That Never Sleeps' by Begbie, Harold