Hand staves, also known as batons or cudgels, are portable objects used as self-defense tools or ceremonial props. These synonyms for hand staves reflect the variety of cultural and historical uses for such implements. Cudgels evoke a rustic and brute connotation, often associated with medieval warfare or traditional farming. Batons, on the other hand, are often associated with authority figures such as police or conductors. Both words, however, emphasize the functionality and simplicity of these handheld weapons. Whether used as protection or for ceremonial purposes, these synonyms capture the diverse roles of hand staves throughout different cultures and time periods.