white staff

noun

1

a

: a white wand or staff that is a symbol of office of several officials (as of the British government or royal household)

b

: an office of which a white staff is a symbol

2

or less commonly white staff officer : an official who carries a white staff

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!