1. Hist. A weapon used in warfare, consisting of a staff topped by a heavy head, usu. of metal.
2. A scepter; an ornamental form of weapon used as an emblem of the dignity of an office, as in Parliament and the U.S. House of Representatives. • In the House of Commons, it is laid on the table when the Speaker is in the chair. In the U.S. House of Representatives, it is usu. placed to the right of the Speaker and is borne upright by the sergeant-at-arms on extraordinary occasions, as when necessary to quell a disturbance or bring refractory members to order.
3. A chemical liquid that can be sprayed in a person’s face to cause dizziness and temporary immobilization.
