baton

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbætɒn/ / /ˈbæt(ə)n/ / /bəˈtɑn/

Etymology: From French bâton. Doublet of baston.

A staff or truncheon, used for various purposes.
A ceremonial staff of a field marshal or a similar high-ranking military office.
The stick of a conductor in musical performances.
“The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra fell silent.”
An object transferred by runners in a relay race.
“In the relay race, the runner dropped the baton.”
A rod twirled in a marching band's performance, in a gymnastic sport, or in juggling.
A short stout club used primarily by policemen.
“The police officer carried a baton for self-defense.”
A bend with the ends cut off, resembling a baton, typically borne sinister, and often used as a mark of cadency, initially for both legitimate and illegitimate children, but later chiefly for illegitimate children.
“Alternative forms: batune, baston”
A short vertical lightweight post, not set into the ground, used to separate wires in a fence.
A batonnet, a long slice of a vegetable, thicker than a julienne.
A short baguette.

Etymology: From French bâton. Doublet of baston.

To strike with a baton.
“She passed the baton to her successor after retiring.”
“accept/refuse/receive the baton”