Baton

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: bătʹŏn, IPA: /ˈbætÉ’n/
• US enPR: bÉ™tänʹ, IPA: /bəˈtÉ‘n/

Origin

From French bâton.

Full definition of baton

Noun

1. A staff or truncheon, used for various purposes; as, the baton of a field marshal
2. (music) The stick of a conductor in musical performances.
3. (sports) An object transferred by runners in a relay race.
4. A short stout club used primarily by policemen.
5. (heraldiccharge) An abatement in coats of arms to denote illegitimacy. (Also spelled batune, baston).
6. (heraldiccharge) A riband with the ends cut off, resembling a baton, as shown on a coat of arms.

Derived terms

• batonic

Verb

1. To strike with a baton.