ˈtipˌ ̷ ̷ noun
( plural tipstaves or tipstaffs )
Etymology: contraction of Middle English tipped staf, from tipped having a tip (from tip, tippe tip + -ed ) + staf staff — more at tip , staff
1. : a staff tipped with metal used as a badge of office
2. : an officer who bears a tipstaff : a court attendant : constable , bailiff
the judges and tipstaves parted the combatants — T.B.Macaulay