How Do You Spell TIPSTAFF?

Pronunciation: [tˈɪpstaf] (IPA)

The word "tipstaff" is spelled with two consonants, "t" and "p", followed by a vowel, "i", and then another set of consonants, "s" and "t", and ending with two additional consonants, "a" and "f". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈtɪpˌstæf/, where the symbol "ˈ" represents primary stress on the first syllable, and the symbol "ˌ" represents secondary stress on the second syllable. The "i" in the word is pronounced as /ɪ/, and the "a" is pronounced as /æ/. The word refers to a staff carried by certain officials as a symbol of office.

TIPSTAFF Meaning and Definition

1. A tipstaff is a noun that refers to a ceremonial staff or rod used in legal or judicial proceedings. It is typically carried by a court officer or a bailiff and is considered a symbol of authority and power within the courtroom.

   The tipstaff is traditionally made of wood or metal and can vary in length and design, depending on the jurisdiction. It is often adorned with intricate carvings, engravings, or ornamental features that signify the court's emblem or emblematic figures representing justice, such as scales or a blindfolded figure.

   In a courtroom setting, the tipstaff serves multiple purposes. It is used by the court officer or bailiff to maintain order and decorum by striking the floor or a surface with it to get attention or signal quiet. Additionally, it can be used to point or indicate specific individuals during proceedings or summon them to approach the bench.

   The term "tipstaff" can also be used to refer to the court officers or bailiffs who carry and use the ceremonial staff. These individuals are responsible for security, maintaining order, and assisting in executing court orders or summonses.

   Outside of the judicial context, the term "tipstaff" may also be used to refer to a sheriff's deputy or a similar law enforcement officer. This usage generally depends on the region or country.

2. An officer who bears a staff tipped with metal; a constable.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TIPSTAFF

• ripstaff
• fipstaff
• gipstaff
• yipstaff
• 6ipstaff
• 5ipstaff
• tupstaff
• tjpstaff
• tkpstaff
• topstaff
• t9pstaff
• t8pstaff
• tiostaff
• tilstaff
• ti-staff
• ti0staff
• tipataff
• tipztaff
• tipxtaff

Etymology of TIPSTAFF

The word "tipstaff" originated from Middle English, specifically from the combination of two Old English words: "tīppa" meaning "a point or extremity" and "stæf" meaning "staff or rod". The term was used to refer to a pointed staff or rod carried by a person in authority or as a symbol of office. Over time, "tipstaff" became associated with an officer of the court who carried such a staff or rod, and today it generally refers to a court official or bailiff.

Similar spelling word for TIPSTAFF

• tipster.

Plural form of TIPSTAFF is TIPSTAFVES