quarterstaff
Americannoun
plural
quarterstaves, quarterstaffs-
a former English weapon consisting of a stout pole 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long, tipped with iron.
-
exercise or fighting with this weapon.
noun
-
a stout iron-tipped wooden staff about 6ft long, formerly used in England as a weapon
-
the use of such a staff in fighting, sport, or exercise
Etymology
Origin of quarterstaff
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.
On NBC, an American Gladiator is a beefcake model in a unitard swinging his padded quarterstaff.
From Time Magazine Archive
Thou art a deft hand at quarterstaff and singlestick, though, and I doubt not that thy hands can guard thy head.
From The Cornet of Horse A Tale of Marlborough's Wars by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
I have fought many a battle in play and in earnest," answered Tom, "with my fists, with the sword, and with the quarterstaff.
From Tom Tufton's Travels by Everett-Green, Evelyn
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.
From The Passionate Elopement by MacKenzie, Compton
A quarterstaff, of that weight, is a fine weapon.
From Both Sides the Border A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower by Peacock, Ralph
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.
