3. A kind of telemeter for measuring the distance of an object of known
dimensions, by observing the angle it subtends; especially (Surveying),
a graduated rod used to measure the distance of the place where it
stands from an instrument having a telescope, by observing the number
of the graduations of the rod that are seen between certain parallel
wires (stadia wires) in the field of view of the telescope; -- also
called stadia, and stadia rod.
Stadt"hold`er (?), n. [D. stadhouder; stad a city, a town + houder a
holder.] Formerly, the chief magistrate of the United Provinces of
Holland; also, the governor or lieutenant governor of a province.
{ Stadt"hold`er*ate (?), Stadt"hold`er*ship (?) }, n. The office or
position of a stadtholder.
Sta*fette" (?), n. [Cf. G. stafette. See Estafet.] An estafet. [R.]
arlyle.
Staff (?), n.; pl. Staves (&?; or &?;; 277) or Staffs (#) in senses
1-9, Staffs in senses 10, 11. [AS. stæf a staff; akin to LG. & D. staf,
OFries stef, G. stab, Icel. stafr, Sw. staf, Dan. stav, Goth. stabs
element, rudiment, Skr. sthpay to cause to stand, to place. See Stand,
and cf. Stab, Stave, n.] 1. A long piece of wood; a stick; the long
handle of an instrument or weapon; a pole or srick, used for many
purposes; as, a surveyor's staff; the staff of a spear or pike.
And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar to
bear it withal.
Ex. xxxviii. 7.
With forks and staves the felon to pursue.
Dryden.
2. A stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person
walking; hence, a support; that which props or upholds. "Hooked
staves." Piers Plowman.
The boy was the very staff of my age.
Shak.
He spoke of it [beer] in "The Earnest Cry," and likewise in the
"Scotch Drink," as one of the staffs of life which had been struck
from the poor man's hand.
Prof. Wilson.
3. A pole, stick, or wand borne as an ensign of authority; a badge of
office; as, a constable's staff.
Methought this staff, mine office badge in court, Was broke in
twain.
Shak.
All his officers brake their staves; but at their return new staves
were delivered unto them.
Hayward.