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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—S

Staff

I keep the staff in my own hand. I keep possession; I retain the right. The staff was the ancient sceptre, and therefore, figuratively, it means, power, authority, dignity, etc.

To part with the staff.
To lose or give up office or possession. (See above.)

“Give up your staff, sir, and the king his realm.”

Shakespeare: 2 Henry VI., ii. 3.

To put down one's staff in a place.
To take up one's residence. The allusion is to the tent-staff: where the staff is placed, there the tent is stretched, and the nomad resides.

To strike my staff.
To lodge for the time being.

“Thou mayst see me at thy pleasure, for I intend to strike my staff at yonder hostelry.” —Cæsur Borgia, x v.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Staff of Life
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