pikestaff
Americannoun
plural
pikestaves-
the shaft of an infantry pike.
-
a foot traveler's staff with a metal point or spike at the lower end.
noun
Etymology
Origin of pikestaff
First recorded in 1325–75, pikestaff is from the Middle English word pykstaf. See pike 5, staff 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It was now plain as a pikestaff that the Court can never be effectively packed.
From Time Magazine Archive
So pikestaff plain are the advantages of a sub-Channel railway that last week even that ruddy, insular, industrial squire, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, took up sturdy cudgels in its defense.
From Time Magazine Archive
It was pikestaff plain that Adolf Hitler wanted all Europe to hear about and be frightened by his mobilization.
From Time Magazine Archive
In allowing his old favorite's downfall, Old Henry had made it pikestaff plain that Young Henry is now absolute boss.
From Time Magazine Archive
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.’
From "The Fellowship of the Ring" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
