baton

1. (military) A ceremonial staff of a field marshal or a similar high-ranking military office.

2. (music) The stick of a conductor in musical performances.Examples: "The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra fell silent."

3. (sports) An object transferred by runners in a relay race.Examples: "In the relay race, the runner dropped the baton."

4. (gymnastics, juggling) A rod twirled in a marching band's performance, in a gymnastic sport, or in juggling.

5. (weaponry, US) A short stout club used primarily by policemen.Examples: "The police officer carried a baton for self-defense."Synonyms: billy club, nightstick, truncheon

6. (heraldry) 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.Examples: "Alternative forms: batune, baston"