rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryquarterstaffWooden weapon
noun

quarterstaff

KWOR-ter-staf/ˈkwɔrtərˌstæf/

A long wooden staff used as a weapon.

The fighter holds a long wooden quarterstaff during a practice session.

A long straight wooden quarterstaff held in a controlled historical martial practice stance, no impact or injury, plain English period clothing.
Etymology
quarterEnglishmeaning uncertain here
+staffOld Englishstick, pole, weapon

Staff already meant a strong pole or rod used as a weapon. Quarter’s contribution is uncertain: explanations involving weapon handling or a cut of timber both lack contemporary supporting evidence.

More examples

  • She blocks the incoming strike with her quarterstaff.
  • The museum displays a quarterstaff beside two swords.
  • The guards in the story carry quarterstaves instead of spears.

Forms

quarterstaff · quarterstaffs · quarterstaves

Similar words

staff
A broader term for a long stick, not necessarily a weapon.
cudgel
A short, heavy stick used for striking, unlike a long quarterstaff.