tipstaff
- noun
- /ˈtɪp.stɑːf/
- Archaic
:
bastón de autoridad
- The bailiff held his tipstaff high to signal the start of the court proceedings.
Examples
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The tipstaff symbolizes authority and law enforcement.
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During the ceremony, the official proudly carried his tipstaff as a symbol of his authority.
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Historically, constables were identified by their distinctive tipstaff.
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In some ceremonies, a tipstaff is used to signify official authority.
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The bailiff carried a tipstaff as he led the procession through the courtroom.
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The bailiff carried a shiny tipstaff during the court proceedings.
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As the constable entered the room, his tipstaff clinked against the floor, drawing everyone's attention.
Synonyms
105
4.5
A long stick used for support or as a sign of authority
4
5.8
A short thin stick carried by an official to show their authority
2
8.2
A decorated staff carried at official events to show authority
1
9.9
A long decorated stick carried to show someone's authority
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Tipstaff comes from two simple words, tip meaning 'point' and staff meaning 'stick'. It was a stick with a metal point carried by bailiffs, constables, or other officials as a sign of 'power', so tipstaff now means the official staff used to show authority.