[STAFF sb.]
1. = WHIPSTOCK 1.
1599. Middleton, Micro-cynicon, B 4 b. With nailed shooes, and whipstaffe in his hand.
† 2. Naut. = WHIP sb. 13. Obs.
1627. Capt. J. Smith, Sea Gram., ii. 12. The Whip-staffe is that peece of wood like a strong staffe the … Helmesman hath alwaies in his hand … made fast to the Tiller with a Ring.
1726. Shelvocke, Voy. round World, 305. My land Gentlemen … were now forced to learn to steer, and take their turns at the Whipstaff.
1769. Falconer, Dict. Marine, French terms, Manuelle, the whip-staff of a helm;… now entirely disused.
