tipstaff
/ˈtɪpstæf/
noun
- A court officer who assists the judge and maintains order in a courtroom.
- When the witness became upset, the tipstaff quietly offered her a glass of water.
- The tipstaff escorted the jury out of the room during the legal argument.
- The tipstaff called the courtroom to order as the judge entered.
- A metal-tipped staff or rod carried as a symbol of office by a court official.
- The bailiff held a polished tipstaff as he stood by the judge's bench.
- The museum displayed an antique tipstaff from the 18th century.
- In historical ceremonies, the tipstaff was a sign of authority.