cowlstaff

noun

cowl·​staff ˈkōl-ˌstaf 

ˈkau̇(-ə)l-,

ˈkül-

archaic

: a staff from which a vessel is suspended and carried between two persons

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cuvelstaff, from cuvel vessel (from Old English cūfel, ultimately from Late Latin cupella, diminutive of Latin cūpa tub) + staff entry 1 — more at hive

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above