Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun Milit., the staff or baton of a field-marshal.
- noun A staff with a hook in one end, used to lead a bull by putting the hook through a ring in his nose.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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It is true that, did they not propose themselves as fit to hold my leading-staff, little should I care for plucking the silken trappings off the puppets thou hast shown me in succession.
The Talisman 2008
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The designs purport to represent the Duke's battles and sieges; and everywhere we see the hero himself, as large as life, and as gorgeous in scarlet and gold as the holy sisters could make him, with a three-cornered hat and flowing wig, reining in his horse, and extending his leading-staff in the attitude of command.
The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 08, No. 48, October, 1861 Various
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It is true, that, did they not propose themselves as fit to hold my leading-staff, little should I care for plucking the silken trappings off the puppets thou hast shown me in succession --- What concerns it me what fine tinsel robes they swagger in, unless when they are named as rivals in the glorious enterprise to which I have vowed myself?
The Talisman 1894
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My leading-staff were not worth a fool's bauble, had he escaped my notice --- and he had ere now tasted of our bounty, but that I have also marked his overweening and audacious presumption. ''
The Talisman 1894
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He ran forward towards the leading-staff, seized it, and wrenched the animal's head as if he would snap it off.
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He ran forward towards the leading-staff, seized it, and wrenched the animal's head as if he would snap it off.
The Mayor of Casterbridge Thomas Hardy 1884
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He pointed with his leading-staff, or truncheon, to the background, where, in such perspective as the artist possessed, were depicted the remains of a burning church, or monastery, and four or five soldiers, in red cassocks, bearing away in triumph what seemed a brazen font or laver.
Woodstock 1855
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As he spoke, a sudden gleam of light was thrown with a brilliancy which almost dazzled the speaker, showing distinctly a form somewhat resembling that of Victor Lee, as represented in his picture, holding in one hand a lady completely veiled, and in the other his leading-staff, or truncheon.
Woodstock 1855
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England, am nevertheless exalted to the rank of holding the guidance and the leading-staff thereof. —
Woodstock 1855
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Blessed art thou, Oliver, on account of thine honour — thy cause is clear, thy call is undoubted — never has defeat come near thy leading-staff, nor disaster attended thy banner.
Woodstock 1855
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