noun
staff
A long, sturdy stick carried or used as a support.
The hiker leans on a sturdy wooden staff.
Etymology
The Old English word already named a stick or support. The modern sense preserves the long sturdy object used for walking or bearing weight.
More examples
- He carried a staff along the steep trail.
- Two carved staffs stood beside the door.
- The shepherd rested both hands on his staff.
Forms
staff · staffs · staves
Similar words
- walking stick
- A stick specifically used as an aid while walking.
- rod
- A straight slender piece not necessarily carried for support.