In early use: †an officer at Sandwich, Kent, whose duties include driving stray hogs (obsolete). Later: the staff of office originally held by that officer, now only used on ceremonial occasions.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in William Boys (1735–1803), surgeon and topographer. From hog + mace.
Definition of hog mace in US English:
hog mace
nounˈhɒɡ meɪs
In early use: †an officer at Sandwich, Kent, whose duties include driving stray hogs (obsolete). Later: the staff of office originally held by that officer, now only used on ceremonial occasions.
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in William Boys (1735–1803), surgeon and topographer. From hog + mace.