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]