Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A stick with a
split at one end, once used byrunners to carry writtenmessages
Etymologies
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Examples
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bilby commented on the word cleft stick
"Procure a cleft Stick, and put into the Notch of it, a Quantity of the bruised Leaves of wild Pennyroyal; direct the End of the Stick towards the Serpent's Nose; as he avoids it, still pursue him with it; and in half an Hour's Time he will be killed by the mere Scent of the Herb."
- Captain Silas Taylor, 'A Way to Kill Rattlesnakes', 1751.
August 21, 2008
crunchysaviour commented on the word cleft stick
"Procure a Shovel, and with both Hands, wield it high in the Air; bring it down with vigour upon that of the Serpent, uttering Words of no more than four Letters; and in half a Dozen Repetitions' time, the Task may be so completed as to facilitate relaxation with a Stubby or two; or mayhaps a Dozen thereof."
- "An Australian Way to Kill Snakes"
August 21, 2008