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

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near white staff

Cite this Entry

“White staff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/white%20staff. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!