quarterstaff

[kwawr-ter-staf, -stahf]

noun

plural

quarterstaves, quarterstaffs 

1. a former English weapon consisting of a stout pole 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long, tipped with iron.

2. exercise or fighting with this weapon.

quarterstaff

/ ˈkwɔːtəˌstɑːf /

noun

1. a stout iron-tipped wooden staff about 6ft long, formerly used in England as a weapon

2. the use of such a staff in fighting, sport, or exercise

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterstaff¹

First recorded in 1540–50; quarter + staff ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of quarterstaff¹

C16: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Across 18 short chapters, there's cracking dialogue and a lot of action – sword and shield, wrestling, boxing, quarterstaff.

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Chairs at precisely half-past ten o'clock and I must request you, my lords, ladies and gentlemen, to warn your chairmen that quarterstaff play with the poles will be visited with your acutest displeasure.

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The outlaws—for such they seemed—were roughly clad in gray homespun and Lincoln green, and armed with bows and quarterstaves.

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In his right hand he carried a quarterstaff, which he used as a walking-stick.

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And yet none quicker than he at ball or quintain, none braver at quarterstaff.

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Related Words

• business 
• staff