Jacob's staff

1 of 2

noun (1)

1

obsolete : a pilgrim's staff

2

a

obsolete : cross-staff sense 2

b

or less commonly Jacob staff : a short square rod with a cursor used for measuring heights and distances

c

or less commonly Jacob staff : a straight rod or staff pointed and shod with iron at the bottom for insertion in the ground, having a socket joint at the top, and used instead of a tripod for supporting a compass

3

obsolete : a staff with a sword or dagger concealed in it

Jacob's-staff

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural Jacob's-staffs

1

: great mullein

2

: a plant of the genus Fouquieria

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

after Jacob St. James, symbolized in religious art by a pilgrim's staff

Noun (2)

Jacob's staff (pilgrim's staff)

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