To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of backstaff
: an instrument similar to a cross-staff but fitted with a reflector and formerly used for taking the altitudes of heavenly bodies
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on backstaff
What made you want to look up backstaff? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
- The magician
______moved the selected card to the top of the deck.
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- More Confusing Words—Quiz
How many of these commonly confused words do you know?
Take the quiz - Name that Thing: Toys and Games Edition
It's all fun and games until someone beats your high score.
Take the quiz - Spell It
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
Take the quiz - Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share backstaff
Time Traveler for backstaff
The first known use of backstaff was in 1627
See more words from the same year