swagger stick

American  

noun

1. a short, batonlike stick, usually leather-covered, sometimes carried by army officers, soldiers, etc.

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swagger stick British  

noun

1. a short cane or stick carried on occasion mainly by army officers

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Etymology

Origin of swagger stick

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

He led us through fields and forests, used his ever-present swagger stick to note the placement and movement of forces, and gathered his charges around him to deliver forceful and vivid descriptions of a battle.

From Washington Post

He was carrying a swagger stick and had a revolver strapped to his hip.

From Literature

“If you go look at history, you’ll see swagger sticks,” said Mr. Pompeo, sitting in an armchair beneath a painting of the military school in his office.

From The Wall Street Journal

But in many ways, the fact that Gen. Sharif was bowing out on time — and will pass his bamboo swagger stick to Bajwa in a formal military ceremony on Wednesday — mattered even more.

From Washington Post

Men began to wear their handkerchiefs in their sleeves and some foppish lieutenants carried swagger sticks.

From Literature