ba·ton 
/bəˈtɑ:n, Brit ˈbæˌtɒn/ noun
plural ba·tons /bəˈtɑ:n, Brit ˈbæˌtɒn/ noun [count] 1 : a thin stick that is used by a music conductor to lead a band or orchestra 2 : a long thin stick with a ball at one end or both ends that is carried by someone who performs with or leads a marching band
▪ The majorette twirled the baton. 3 : nightstick
▪ a policeman's baton 4 : a stick that is passed from one runner to the next runner in a relay race
▪ They practiced passing the baton. ▪ One of the runners dropped the baton. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The chef recently passed the baton [=gave the job and responsibility that had been hers] to her young assistant.
▪ The majorette twirled the baton.
▪ a policeman's baton
▪ They practiced passing the baton. ▪ One of the runners dropped the baton. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The chef recently passed the baton [=gave the job and responsibility that had been hers] to her young assistant.
