Verge

Verge (Lat. viigya) is a staff of wood or metal, surmounted with a figure, emblem, or device, borne before a bishop, dean, rector, or vicar, in entering or leaving church, and on other public occasions. Several specimens of verges of the period of the Restoration, made of precious metals, exist in some of the churches of London. The term is also used for a rod or staff carried as an emblem of authority; also a stick or wand with which people are admitted tenants, by holding it in the hand and swearing fealty to the owner.