from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Stang \Stang\, n. [OE. stange, of Scand. or Dutch origin; cf.
Icel. st["o]ng, akin to Dan. stang, Sw. st[*a]ng, D. stang,
G. stange, OHG. stanga, AS. steng; from the root of E.
sting.]
1. A long bar; a pole; a shaft; a stake.
[1913 Webster]
2. In land measure, a pole, rod, or perch. [Obs. or Prov.
Eng.] --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
{Stang ball}, a projectile consisting of two half balls
united by a bar; a bar shot. See Illust. of {Bar shot},
under {Bar}.
{To ride the stang}, to be carried on a pole on men's
shoulders. This method of punishing wife beaters, etc.,
was once in vogue in some parts of England.
[1913 Webster]