tipstaff

English

Etymology

From tip +‎ staff.

Noun

tipstaff (plural tipstaffs or tipstaves)

1. A ceremonial staff, with a metal tip, carried by a constable or bailiff etc as a sign of office
2. An officer, of a court etc. who carries such a staff
   • 1897, Stanley John Weyman, chapter XII, in Shrewsbury:

     Fire and furies, do a set of boozing tipstaves think to take the man who outwitted Jeffreys and slipped through Kirke's lambs?"