Vine staff

Not to be confused with the staff vine.

The vine staff, vine-staff, or centurion's staff (Latin: vitis) was a vinewood rod of about 1 m (3 ft) in length used in the ancient Roman army and navy. It was the mark and tool of the centurion: both as an implement in the direction of drill and maneuvers and to beat wayward or laggard soldiers or sailors under his command. It was also borne by evocati who held an equivalent rank.

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