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Synonyms for quarterstaff

Grammar : Noun
Spell : kwawr-ter-staf, -stahf
Phonetic Transcription : ˈkwɔr tərˌstæf, -ˌstɑf

Top 10 synonyms for quarterstaff
Other synonyms for the word quarterstaff

Définition of quarterstaff

Origin :
  • also quarter-staff, 1540s (quarter-stroke "stroke with a quarterstaff" is attested from early 15c.), stout pole, six to eight feet long (six-and-a-half sometimes is given as the standard length), tipped with iron, formerly a weapon used by the English peasantry. From staff (n.). The quarter likely is in reference to its operation.
  • It was grasped by one hand in the middle, and by the other between the middle and the end. In the attack the latter hand shifted from one quarter of the staff to the other, giving the weapon a rapid circular motion, which brought the ends on the adversary at unexpected points. [Century Dictionary]
  • As in club : noun bat, stick
Example sentences :
  • Sometimes there were wrestling matches, and combat with sword and quarterstaff.
  • Extract from : « Cheshire » by Charles E. Kelsey
  • In his right hand he carried a quarterstaff, which he used as a walking-stick.
  • Extract from : « The Last of the Vikings » by John Bowling
  • So I examined billhook and quarterstaff, and at last said I knew them.
  • Extract from : « A Thane of Wessex » by Charles W. Whistler
  • He was dead, for the end of the quarterstaff had driven in his forehead, so madly had I struck at him with all my weight.
  • Extract from : « A Thane of Wessex » by Charles W. Whistler
  • And next, I saw my quarterstaff still resting against the tree where I had left it.
  • Extract from : « A Thane of Wessex » by Charles W. Whistler
  • The knowledge of singlestick and quarterstaff still lingered, in the country parts of England.
  • Extract from : « Under Drake's Flag » by G. A. Henty
  • One blow with my quarterstaff, on the back of the head under the steel cap, will do that noiselessly enough.
  • Extract from : « Both Sides the Border » by G. A. Henty
  • "Mr. Bickerstaff thanks Mr. Quarterstaff for his kind and instructive letter dated the 26th instant" (folio).
  • Extract from : « The Tatler, Volume 1, 1899 » by George A. Aitken
  • The renowned Hercules always carried a quarterstaff, and was from thence called Claviger.
  • Extract from : « The Tatler, Volume 1, 1899 » by George A. Aitken
  • The English are but bunglers with a gentleman's blade, and should restrict themselves to pike and quarterstaff.
  • Extract from : « Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall » by Charles Major
Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019