cowlstaff

noun

cowl·​staff ˈkōl-ˌstaf How to pronounce cowlstaff (audio)
ˈkau̇(-ə)l-,
ˈkül-
archaic
: a staff from which a vessel is suspended and carried between two persons

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cuvelstaff, from cuvel vessel (from Old English cūfel, ultimately from Late Latin cupella, diminutive of Latin cūpa tub) + staff entry 1 — more at hive

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cowlstaff was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near cowlstaff

cowl-neck

cowlstaff

cowman

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cowlstaff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cowlstaff. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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