quarterstaff

[ kwawr-ter-staf, -stahf ]

/ ˈkwɔr tərˌstæf, -ˌstɑf /

a former English weapon consisting of a stout pole 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) long, tipped with iron.

exercise or fighting with this weapon.

Origin of quarterstaff

First recorded in 1540–50; quarter + staff¹

Thou art a deft hand at quarterstaff and singlestick, though, and I doubt not that thy hands can guard thy head.

The Cornet of Horse |G. A. Henty
And next, I saw my quarterstaff still resting against the tree where I had left it.

A Thane of Wessex |Charles W. Whistler
Sometimes there were wrestling matches, and combat with sword and quarterstaff.

Cheshire |Charles E. Kelsey
Homer Crawford neatly rapped him on the right shin bone with his quarterstaff to the other's intense agony.

Black Man's Burden |Dallas McCord Reynolds

I wot this was no playful bout at quarterstaff, but a grim and serious fight of real earnest.

The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood |Howard Pyle

quarterstaff

/ (ˈkwɔːtəˌstɑːf) /

a stout iron-tipped wooden staff about 6ft long, formerly used in England as a weapon

the use of such a staff in fighting, sport, or exercise

C16: of uncertain origin