staff

nounemployees of organization

nounstick, usually for walking

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Synonyms for staff

noun employees of organization

Antonyms for staff

incompetence

More words related to staff

anchor

noun. something used to hold another thing securely

baton

noun. stick used for conducting or for protection

Word Origin & History

Old English stæf "walking stick, strong pole used for carrying, rod used as a weapon" (also, in plural, "letter, character, writing," cf. stæfcræft "grammar"), from Proto-Germanic *stabaz (cf. Old Saxon staf, Old Norse stafr, Old Frisian stef, Middle Low German and Middle Dutch staf, Old High German stab, German Stab, Gothic *stafs "element;" Middle Dutch stapel "pillar, foundation"), from PIE root *stebh- "post, stem, to support, place firmly on, fasten" (cf. Old Lithuanian stabas "idol," Lithuanian stebas "staff, pillar;" Old Church Slavonic stoboru "pillar;" Sanskrit stabhnati "supports;" Greek stephein "to tie around, encircle, wreathe," staphyle "grapevine, bunch of grapes;" Old English stapol "post, pillar").

Sense of "group of military officers that assists a commander" is attested from 1702, apparently from German, from the notion of the "baton" that is a badge of office or authority (a sense attested in English from 1530s). Meaning "group of employees (as at an office or hospital)" is first found 1837. Staff of life "bread" is from the Biblical phrase "to break the staff of bread" (Lev. xxvi:26), translating Hebrew matteh lekhem.

Example Sentences for staff

Behold me with staff and scrip, footing it merrily in the Land of Pardons.

The youth pondered, and drew a plan amongst the rushes with the point of his staff.

The staff had fallen into the way of attending Wilson's operations.

The hospital did not approve of engagements between nurses and the staff.

The staff went hopelessly down the stairs to the smoking-room, and smoked.

Along the road from Sils came the teacher leaning on his staff.

His dismissal from the staff was a wise move, tempered by unexpected clemency.

This staff, in fact, was the oddest-looking staff that Philemon had ever beheld.

He drew his sword and came at me, and I killed him with my staff.

A king's staff of office, the sign and symbol of his authority.

staff

Synonyms for staff

Antonyms for staff

More words related to staff

anchor

baton

brace

braces

cadre

cane

club

clubs

court

staff

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for staff

Antonyms for staff

More words related to staff

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}anchor

Synonyms for staff

anchor