Caduceus Staff

Caduceus

The caduceus is the herald's staff carried by Hermes in Greek mythology and consequently by Hermes Trismegistus in Greco-Egyptian mythology. The same staff was borne by other heralds like Iris, the messenger of Hera. The short staff is entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Roman iconography, it was depicted being carried in the left hand of Mercury, the messenger of the gods.

caduceus

Noun

1. The official wand carried by a herald in ancient Greece and Rome, specifically the one carried in mythology by Hermes, the messenger of the gods, usually represented with two snakes twined around it.
2. A symbol (☤) representing a staff with two snakes wrapped around it, used to indicate merchants and messengers. It is also sometimes incorrectly substituted for the rod of Asclepius as a symbol of medicine.

staff

Noun

1. A long, straight, thick wooden rod or stick, especially one used to assist in walking.
2. A series of horizontal lines on which musical notes are written; a stave.

Verb

1. To supply (a business, volunteer organization, etc.) with employees or staff members.