JACOB'S STAFF


Meaning of JACOB'S STAFF in English

noun

Usage: usually capitalized J

Etymology: after Jacob St. James, symbolized in religious art by a pilgrim's staff — more at jacobin

1. obsolete : a pilgrim's staff

2.

a. obsolete : cross-staff 2

b. also jacob staff : a short square rod with a cursor used for measuring heights and distances

c. also jacob staff : a straight rod or staff pointed and shod with iron at the bottom for insertion in the ground, having a socket joint at the top, and used instead of a tripod for supporting a compass

3. obsolete : a staff with a sword or dagger concealed in it

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.