/kwawr"teuhr staf', -stahf'/ , n. , pl. quarterstaves /-stayvz'/ , quarterstaffs .
1. a former English weapon consisting of a stout pole 6 to 8 ft. (1.8 to 2.4 m) long, tipped with iron.
2. exercise or fighting with this weapon.
[ 1540-50; QUARTER + STAFF 1 ]