tipstaff

noun

tip·​staff ˈtip-ˌstaf How to pronounce tipstaff (audio)
plural tipstaves ˈtip-ˌstavz How to pronounce tipstaff (audio)
-ˌstāvz
: a court officer whose duties include assisting the judge and acting as crier

Word History

Etymology

obsolete tipstaff staff tipped with metal

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tipstaff was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near tipstaff

tip speed

tipstaff

tip stall

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Tipstaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tipstaff. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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