Staff
/stæf/noun
A long stick used for support, authority, or ceremonial purposes; also a group of employees.
Did you know?The English word staff goes back to a Germanic root meaning a supporting pole or rod, and in many cultures the staff was not just a tool but a sign of authority, pilgrimage, and sacred power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*stebʰ-
“to prop up, support, make firm”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*stabaz
“a stem, staff, post, or rod”
Old English
OE
stæf
“a staff, rod, or stick; also a written letter”
Middle English
Middle English
staf
“a rod, stick, or support; later also a body of assistants”
Modern English
English
staff
“a long stick or rod used for support or as a symbol of office; also a group of workers”