Jacob's staff

1 of 2

noun (1)

obsolete : a pilgrim's staff

obsolete : cross-staff sense 2

or less commonly Jacob staff : a short square rod with a cursor used for measuring heights and distances

or less commonly 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

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

Jacob's-staff

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural Jacob's-staffs

: great mullein

: a plant of the genus Fouquieria

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

after Jacob St. James, symbolized in religious art by a pilgrim's staff

Noun (2)

Jacob's staff (pilgrim's staff)

Cite this Entry

Style

“Jacob's staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jacob%27s%20staff. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation