cudgel
noun /ˈkʌdʒl/
  /ˈkʌdʒl/
Idioms - a short thick stick that is used as a weaponWord OriginOld English cycgel, of unknown origin.
 
Idioms 
take up (the) cudgels on behalf of somebody/something 
- (old-fashioned) to defend or support somebody/something strongly