baton

ba-ton · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A thin stick used by a conductor to direct an orchestra or choir.

  2. 2.

    A short stick passed between runners in a relay race.

  3. 3.

    A stick carried or twirled by a drum major or majorette.

  4. 4.

    A short, heavy stick used as a weapon by police.

  5. 5.

    [heraldry]A narrow diagonal band on a coat of arms.

Forms

plural: batons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    pass the baton — Transfer responsibility or authority.
  • •
    baton charge — A police advance using batons.
  • •
    baton twirling — The sport of spinning a baton.
  • •
    under the baton of — Conducted by (a particular conductor).

Related words

See also: conductor, relay, staff, stick
Synonyms: club, staff, stick, wand

Etymology

From French baton ("stick, staff"), from Old French baston, from Late Latin bastum.