packstaff
(ˈpækstɑːf, -stæf)
[f. pack n.1 + staff.]
A staff on which a pedlar supports his pack when standing to rest himself. In proverbial phrase † as plain as a packstaff (obs.; now pikestaff).
| 1542 Becon David's Harp Early Wks. (Parker Soc.) 276 He is as plain as a pack-staff. 1597 Bp. Hall Sat. iii. Prol. 4 Not, riddle like, obscuring their intent; But, packe⁓staffe plaine, uttring what thing they ment. 1691 Dryden Amphitryon iii. i, O Lord, what absurdities! as plain as any packstaff. 1760–72 H. Brooke Fool of Qual. (1792) I. iv. 153 Poundings of packstaves. 1881 A. J. Duffield Don Quix. I. 310 The benedictions of the pack-staves. |
† b. attrib. (expressing contempt). Obs.
| 1598 Marston Sco. Villanie i. i. B vij, O packstaffe rimes. Ibid. ii. v. E v, A packstaffe Epethite, and scorned name. |