baton

A staff or truncheon, used for various purposes.

A ceremonial staff of a field marshal or a similar high-ranking military office.

The stick of a conductor in musical performances.

The conductor raised his baton and the orchestra fell silent.

An object transferred by runners in a relay race.

In the relay race, the runner dropped the baton.

A rod twirled in a marching band's performance, in a gymnastic sport, or in juggling.

To strike with a baton.

She passed the baton to her successor after retiring.

accept/refuse/receive the baton