Definition

Noun: A short, rigid cane or stick, typically covered in leather, traditionally carried by certain military officers as a symbol of authority or for use in drill and ceremony.

Usage

The term specifically refers to a formal military accessory. It is not used as a verb or in other grammatical forms. It is a compound noun where "swagger" modifies the type of "stick."

Examples

• The drill sergeant gripped his swagger stick tightly as he inspected the troops.
• In historical photographs, you can often see officers holding a swagger stick.
• The swagger stick was part of the officer's full-dress uniform.

Advanced Usage

• The swagger stick is often associated with British and Commonwealth military traditions but has been used by other armed forces.
• While sometimes used for pointing during instruction, its primary function is ceremonial and symbolic.

Variants and Related Words

• Swagger (verb): To walk or behave in a very confident and typically arrogant or aggressive manner. This is the root word from which "swagger stick" derives, implying the confident bearing of the officer carrying it.
• Cane (noun): A general term for a stick used as an aid in walking or as an implement for punishment. A swagger stick is a specific type of cane.
• Drill cane (noun): A synonym sometimes used, emphasizing its use in military drill.

Synonyms

• Drill cane
• Officer's cane
• Pace stick (Note: A pace stick is a similar but distinct tool used for measuring marching pace; it is longer and often has a hinged joint.)

Antonyms

• There are no direct antonyms for this specific object.

Noun

1. a short cane or stick covered with leather and carried by army officers