white staff

noun

1
a
: a white wand or staff that is a symbol of office of several officials (as of the British government or royal household)
b
: an office of which a white staff is a symbol
2
or less commonly white staff officer : an official who carries a white staff

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of white staff was in 1533

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Cite this Entry

“White staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20staff. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

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