1. (n.) A straight and slender stick; a wand; hence, any slender bar, as of wood or metal (applied to various purposes).

2. (n.) An instrument of punishment or correction; figuratively, chastisement.

3. (n.) A kind of scepter, or badge of office; hence, figuratively, power; authority; tyranny; oppression.

4. (n.) A support for a fishing line; a fish pole.

5. (n.) A member used in tension, as for sustaining a suspended weight, or in tension and compression, as for transmitting reciprocating motion, etc.; a connecting bar.

6. (n.) An instrument for measuring.

7. (n.) A measure of length containing sixteen and a half feet; -- called also perch, and pole.