pikestaff

[pahyk-staf, -stahf]

noun

plural

pikestaves 

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

"It was plain as a pikestaff that the government was bleeding ministers, almost faster than they could replace them," says David Davis.

Read more on BBC

He heard the “tramp, tramp” of the sentry and the thudding of the pikestaff as it struck the stone when the sentry turned at the wall of the house.

Read more on Literature

He said it was "plain as a pikestaff" that the EU will "not compromise as long as they believe there is the faintest possibility that Parliament can block Brexit on 31 October".

Read more on BBC

Sam, who had been watching his master with great concern, shook his head and muttered: ‘Plain as a pikestaff it is, but it’s no good Sam Gamgee putting in his spoke just now.’

Read more on Literature

We had gone no more than a hundred yards before a man carrying a pikestaff and a bell and leading a mastiff on a leash stalked up to us.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• pole 
• rod 
• walking stick