swagger stick

noun

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

swagger stick

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of swagger stick¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The ruthless military officer with the monocle and the swagger stick who sends his men to senseless death and/or turns traitor.

From Los Angeles Times

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 began to slap the swagger stick into the open palm of his left hand again and again.

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 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