night stick

a special club carried by a policeman; billy.

Origin of night stick

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90

The absence of the night-stick and ready revolver must be supplied by overwhelming physical force.

Mlle. Fouchette |Charles Theodore Murray
Whereupon he strode abreast of They, swinging his night-stick thoughtfully.

The Poor Little Rich Girl |Eleanor Gates
The other prodded with his night-stick against the capacious overcoat pockets.

The Shadow |Arthur Stringer
No one was abroad but an occasional policeman, twirling his night-stick.

The Happy Venture |Edith Ballinger Price

Toohy paces up and down, swingin' his night-stick and lookin' hard and suspicious at every man, woman or child that passes him.

The Sin of Monsieur Pettipon |Richard Connell

night stick

US and Canadian a heavy baton or club carried by a policeman, prima British equivalent: truncheon