Baculus

From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source

The term Baculus, or Baculum, is Latin for staff. Used in combat throughout Europe until well after the middle ages, the baculus was a heavy, hardwood club with a knotty head used for striking. While not as durable as a metal headed mace, the baculus could still inflict significant concussion damage to an armored or un-armored opponent. It was a popular weapon among conscripted soldiers because it was a relatively inexpensive weapon and easily obtained. It was common practice for soldiers using a baculus to carve and engrave the wood with pictures and marks recounting battles in which they had fought. This might explain how the term baculus came to mean a symbol of authority; many staves carried as ceremonial items are also ornately carved, often with images retelling history or military conquests.