Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A javelin.
  • noun That part of a flail which is held in the hand.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

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Examples

  • There is nothing on the wall but a great pike, -- no handstaff, but only an iron crowbar; and other weapons of war are nailed up.

    Kumasaka 1922

  • So, while some were barring the gates, the young devil climbed up, and took down the flail that had the handstaff and booltheen both made out of red-hot iron.

    Celtic Fairy Tales Joseph Jacobs 1885

Comments

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  • A name for the ash or willow handle of a lave net.

    September 1, 2010