Truncheon: meaning, definitions and examples

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truncheon

[ ˈtrʌntʃən ]

^{Context #1}

police equipment

A short, thick stick carried as a weapon by a police officer.

Synonyms

baton, nightstick

Examples of usage

The police officer used a truncheon to subdue the suspect.
She was hit on the head with a truncheon during the protest.

^{Context #2}

historical context

A club or cudgel, especially one used by a police officer in the past.

Synonyms

bludgeon, cudgel

Examples of usage

In medieval times, truncheons were commonly used by law enforcement.
The truncheon was a symbol of authority in the 18th century.

Translations

Translations of the word "truncheon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cassetete

🇮🇳 लाठी

🇩🇪 Schlagstock

🇮🇩 pentungan

🇺🇦 дубинка

🇵🇱 pałka

🇯🇵 警棒 (けいぼう)

🇫🇷 matraque

🇪🇸 porra

🇹🇷 cop

🇰🇷 곤봉

🇸🇦 هراوة

🇨🇿 obušek

🇸🇰 obušok

🇨🇳 警棍 (jǐnggùn)

🇸🇮 palič

🇮🇸 barefli

🇰🇿 дубинка

🇬🇪 დუბინკა

🇦🇿 dəyənək

🇲🇽 porra

Word origin

The word 'truncheon' originated in the late 16th century and is derived from the Middle French word 'tronchon', meaning a short piece of wood. Truncheons have been used throughout history by law enforcement officers as a means of self-defense and to maintain order. They have evolved from simple wooden clubs to more specialized batons used by modern police forces.