an instrument ordinarily used to rest on in walking. The staff is also frequently used as a kind of natural weapon both of offence and defence; and for several other purposes.

light pole erected in different parts of a ship, whercon to hoist and display the colours.

The principal of these is reared immediately over the stern, to display the ensign; another is fixed on the bowsprit, to extend the jack; three more are erected at the three mast heads, or formed by their upper ends, to show the flag or pendant of the respective squadron or division to which the ship is appropriated. See Ensign, Mast, Jack, and Pendant.

military matters, consists of a quarter-master-general, adjutant-general, and majors of brigade. The staff properly exists only in time of war. See Quarter-Master General, &c.

Regimental Staff, consists in the adjutant, quarter-master, chaplain, surgeon, &c.

Music, five lines, on which, with the intermediate spaces, the notes of a song or piece of music are marked.

Fore-Staff. See Fore-Staff.