The Collaborative International Dictionary
Cowlstaff
Cowlstaff \Cowl"staff`\ (koul"st?f`), n. [Cowl a vessel +
staff.]
A staff or pole on which a vessel is supported between two
persons.
--Suckling.
Wiktionary
cowlstaff
n. A staff used to carry a cowl or other burden, especially held by two people on their shoulders.