staffe

Noun

staff (countable and uncountable, plural staffs or staves or staff)

1. (plural staffs or staves) A long, straight, thick wooden rod or stick, especially one used to assist in walking.
   • And thus ſhall ye eate it [the lamb]: with your loines girded, your ſhooes on your feet, and your ſtaffe in your hand: and ye ſhall eate it in haſte: it is the Lords Paſſeouer.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Exodus 12:11, column 2
2. (plural staffs or staves) A series of horizontal lines on which musical notes are written; a stave.
3. (plural staff or staffs) People employed by a business or other organisation.
   • The company employed 10 new members of staff this month.
4. (uncountable) A mixture of plaster and fibre used as a temporary exterior wall covering.

   Synonyms:

   personnel

5. A pole, stick, or wand borne as an ensign of authority; a badge of office.
   • a constable's staff
6. A pole upon which a flag is supported and displayed.

See all 13 meanings of staff