Batonnier

/ˌbætɔnˈjeɪ/ noun

Definition

The president or head of a bar association, particularly in France and French-speaking countries.

Etymology

From French 'baton' (stick, referring to authority) plus the suffix '-nier.' The term comes from the tradition of presenting an ornate baton to the leader of the lawyers' organization.

Kelly Says

French bar associations give their leaders an actual decorative baton as a symbol of office—it's a direct descendant of medieval symbols of authority, making a baton-nier literally 'the one with the baton.'

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