CLUB

primitive weapon, a heavy stick, sometimes with a stone or metal head, used as a hand or throwing weapon and usually shaped or selected with an outer end wider and heavier than its handle. Among primitive groups, special designs often characterize particular tribes. Medieval European bishops denied the use of the sword were allowed to enter battle with a mace, an iron or steel club designed for splitting armour. Police continue to employ narrow clubs known as truncheons, nightsticks, or billies in controlling prisoners and crowds. These are sometimes made with lead cores.