PIKESTAFF

Pole for an old infantry weapon (often said to be plain) (9)

Solution has appeared in 2 crosswords (1 across and 1 down):

• Quick crossword No 16,685 — 2023-10-26 23:00:29
  15A: Proverbially plain handle of a weapon (9)
• Quick crossword No 15,717 — 2020-09-20 23:00:05
  10D: Pole for an old infantry weapon (often said to be plain) (9)