Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

night stick

See more synonyms for night stick on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. a special club carried by a policeman; billy.
Show More

Origin of night stick

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for nightstick

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • He clutched his nightstick and scowled out from under the brim of his uniform cap.

    Arm of the Law

    Harry Harrison

  • His next aim was better; but this time the nightstick didn't connect.

  • Kelly's nightstick got his pneumonia gas jet, or whatever you call it.

    The Voice on the Wire

    Eustace Hale Ball

  • The policeman's nightstick was getting more and more irritated.

    Young People's Pride

    Stephen Vincent Benet

  • He'd done nearly five blocks before a flatfoot steps out of a doorway and waves a nightstick at him.

    Torchy and Vee

    Sewell Ford

British Dictionary definitions for nightstick

night stick

noun
  1. US and Canadian a heavy baton or club carried by a policeman, primaBritish equivalent: truncheon
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for nightstick

n.

also night-stick, 1887, from night + stick (n.). So called because it was carried on night patrols.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper