Pikestaff: meaning, definitions and examples
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pikestaff
[ ˈpaɪkˌstæf ]
walking stick
A pikestaff is a long, strong staff that is typically used for walking or as a support while traveling. It is often made of wood and can be pointed at one end. Historically, pikestaffs were also used by soldiers as a weapon or as a tool to help vault over obstacles. Today, the term is mostly used in historical contexts or literature. Pikestaffs may also be associated with various cultural and folklore traditions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He leaned on his pikestaff as he surveyed the landscape.
- The old man walked slowly, his pikestaff tapping against the cobblestones.
- In the story, the hero wielded his pikestaff against the beasts.
- The traveler carried a pikestaff to aid him on his journey.
Translations
Translations of the word "pikestaff" in other languages:
🇵🇹 bastão de peregrino
🇮🇳 भिक्षाटन डंडा
🇩🇪 Pilgerstab
🇮🇩 tongkat ziarah
🇺🇦 палиця мандрівника
🇵🇱 kij pielgrzyma
🇯🇵 巡礼杖
🇫🇷 bâton de pèlerin
🇪🇸 bastón de peregrino
🇹🇷 hacı sopası
🇰🇷 순례 지팡이
🇸🇦 عصا الحجاج
🇨🇿 poutní hůl
🇸🇰 pútnická hůl
🇨🇳 朝圣杖
🇸🇮 pohodniški palica
🇮🇸 pílagur
🇰🇿 жеребе
🇬🇪 მლოცველის ჯოხი
🇦🇿 ziyarətçi çubuğu
🇲🇽 bastón de peregrino
Etymology
The word 'pikestaff' originates from the Middle English term 'pikestafe', which is a compound of 'pike' and 'staff'. The term 'pike' itself can refer to a long spear used in warfare, while 'staff' relates to a long stick or pole. This etymology reflects the historical uses of such items, as both walking sticks and weapons often took the form of elongated sticks. The use of a staff for support while walking has been common throughout human history, and the rigid structure of a pikestaff allows for both practical use and as a means of defense. In medieval times, pikestaffs were carried by common folk as they traveled and were utilized by soldiers as a weapon. Over time, the word has adapted to encompass both functional and symbolic meanings in various cultures.