Estafet

/ˌɛs.tə.ˈfɛt/ noun

Definition

A relay race or system of passing a baton between runners; also a messenger service or system of relay communication.

Etymology

From French 'estafette' or directly from Italian 'staffetta,' derived from 'staffa' (stirrup). The connection to 'stirrup' reflects the original meaning of a mounted messenger who would hand off messages between posts.

Kelly Says

The word 'estafet' originally meant mounted couriers who'd gallop between posts handing off messages—the Olympics relay race is literally named after a medieval communication system!

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