Jacob's staff

1 of 2

noun (1)

1
obsolete : a pilgrim's staff
2
a
obsolete : cross-staff sense 2
b
or less commonly Jacob staff : a short square rod with a cursor used for measuring heights and distances
c
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
3
obsolete : a staff with a sword or dagger concealed in it

Jacob's-staff

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural Jacob's-staffs
1
2
: 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)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Jacob's staff

Jacob's-rod

Jacob's staff

Jacob's-staff

Cite this Entry

“Jacob's staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jacob%27s%20staff. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!