A long piece of wood; a stick; the long handle
of an instrument or weapon; a pole or srick, used for many purposes;
as, a surveyor's staff; the staff of a spear or
pike.
A stick carried in the hand for support or
defense by a person walking; hence, a support; that which props or
upholds.
A pole, stick, or wand borne as an ensign
of authority; a badge of office; as, a constable's
staff.
A pole upon which a flag is supported and
displayed.
The round of a ladder.
A series of verses so disposed that, when
it is concluded, the same order begins again; a stanza; a
stave.
The five lines and the spaces
on which music is written; -- formerly called stave.
An arbor, as of a wheel or a
pinion of a watch.
The grooved director for the
gorget, or knife, used in cutting for stone in the bladder.
An establishment of officers in various departments
attached to an army, to a section of an army, or to the commander of
an army. The general's staff consists of those officers about his
person who are employed in carrying his commands into execution. See
État Major.
Hence: A body of assistants serving to
carry into effect the plans of a superintendant or manager; as, the
staff of a newspaper.
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
