From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Baton \Bat"on\ (b[a^]t"[u^]n, F. b[aum]`t[^o]N"; 277), n. [F.
b[^a]ton. See Baston.]
1. A staff or truncheon, used for various purposes; as, the
baton of a field marshal; the baton of a conductor in
musical performances.
[1913 Webster]
He held the baton of command. --Prescott.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Her.) An ordinary with its ends cut off, borne sinister
as a mark of bastardy, and containing one fourth in
breadth of the bend sinister; -- called also bastard
bar. See Bend sinister.
[1913 Webster]