tipstaff
pronunciation
How to pronounce tipstaff in British English:
UK ['tɪpstɑ:f]
How to pronounce tipstaff in American English:
US ['tɪpˌstɑf]
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- Noun:
- staff with a metal tip carried as a sign of office by e.g. a bailiff or constable
Word Origin
- tipstaff (n.)
- 1540s, "tipped staff" (truncheon with a tip or cap of metal) carried as an emblem of office, from tip (n.) + staff (n.). As the name of an official who carries one (especially a sheriff's officer, bailiff, constable, court crier, etc.) it is recorded from 1560s.