(~s)
1.
A ~ is a short heavy stick which is sometimes used as a weapon by the police. (BRIT; in AM, use billy , billy club )
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2.
A ~ is a light, thin stick used by a conductor to conduct an orchestra or a choir.
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3.
In athletics or track events, a ~ is a short stick that is passed from one runner to another in a relay race.
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4.
A ~ is a long stick with a knob on one end that is sometimes carried by a person marching in a parade. The ~ is spun round, thrown into the air and caught.
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5.
If someone passes the ~ to another person, they pass responsibility for something to that person. If someone picks up the ~, they take over responsibility for something.
Does this mean that the ~ of leadership is going to be passed to other nations?
PHRASE: V inflects