What is "walking stick"

Walking \Walk"ing\, a. & n. from Walk, v. Walking beam. See Beam, 10. Walking crane, a kind of traveling crane. See under Crane. Walking fern. (Bot.) See Walking leaf, below. Walking fish (Zo["o]l.), any one of numerous species of Asiatic fishes of the genus Ophiocephalus, some of which, as Ophiocephalus marulius, become over four feet long. They have a special cavity over the gills lined with a membrane adapted to retain moisture to aid in respiration, and are thus able to travel considerable distances over the land at night, whence the name. They construct a curious nest for their young. Called also langya. Walking gentleman (Theater), an actor who usually fills subordinate parts which require a gentlemanly appearance but few words. [Cant] Walking lady (Theater), an actress who usually fills such parts as require only a ladylike appearance on the stage. Walking leaf.

1. (Bot.) A little American fern ( Camptosorus rhizophyllus); -- so called because the fronds taper into slender prolongations which often root at the apex, thus producing new plants.

2. (Zo["o]l.) A leaf insect. See under Leaf. Walking papers, or Walking ticket, an order to leave; dismissal, as from office; as, to get one's walking papers, i. e. to be dismissed or fired. [Colloq.] --Bartlett. Walking stick.

   1. A stick or staff carried in the hand for hand for support or amusement when walking; a cane.

   2. (Zo["o]l.) A stick insect; -- called also walking straw. See Illust. of Stick insect, under Stick.

      Walking wheel (Mach.), a prime mover consisting of a wheel driven by the weight of men or animals walking either in it or on it; a treadwheel.

n. 1 A tool, such as a cane, used to ease pressure on the legs, and to aid stability, when walking. 2 A stick insect (order Phasmatodea). 3 (lb en slang) A playing card with the rank of seven.

1. n. a stick carried in the hand for support in walking

2. any of various mostly tropical insects having long twiglike bodies [syn: walkingstick, stick insect]

Walking stick may refer to:

• Assistive cane, a stick used to aid with walking or for other purposes
• Phasmatodea, the insect commonly called a "walking stick"

A walking stick is a device used by many people to facilitate walking, for fashion, or for defensive reasons.

Walking sticks come in many shapes and sizes, and can be sought by collectors. Some kinds of walking stick may be used by people with disabilities as a crutch. The walking stick has also historically been known to be used as a defensive or offensive weapon, and may conceal a knife or sword as in a swordstick.

Walking sticks, also known as trekking poles, pilgrim's staffs, hiking poles or hiking sticks, are used by hikers for a wide variety of purposes: to clear spider webs, or part thick bushes or grass obscuring the trail; as a support when going uphill or a brake when going downhill; as a balance point when crossing streams, swamps or other rough terrain; to feel for obstacles in the path; to test mud and puddles for depth; and as a defence against wild animals. Also known as an alpenstock, from its origins in mountaineering in the Alps, such a walking stick is equipped with a steel point and a hook or pick on top, as famously used by Sherlock Holmes in his trek in " The Final Problem". A walking stick can be improvised from nearby felled wood. More ornate sticks are made for avid hikers, and are often adorned with small trinkets or medallions depicting "conquered" territory. Wood walking sticks are used for outdoor sports, healthy upper body exercise and even club, department and family memorials. They can be individually handcrafted from a number of woods, and may be personalised in many ways for the owner.

A collector of walking sticks is termed a rabologist.