packstaff
/ˈpakstɑːf/ /ˈpakstaf/Now historical and rare
noun
A staff on which a pedlar supports his or her pack when resting.
- Formerly frequently in †as plain as a packstaff = plain as a pikestaff..
Origin
Mid 16th century; earliest use found in Thomas More (1478–1535), lord chancellor, humanist, and martyr. From pack + staff.