The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Baston \Bas"ton\ (b[a^]s"t[u^]n), n. [OF. baston, F. b[^a]ton,
   LL. basto. See Bastion, and cf. Baton, and 3d Batten.]
   [1913 Webster]
   1. A staff or cudgel. [Obs.] "To fight with blunt bastons."
      --Holland.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Her.) See Baton.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. An officer bearing a painted staff, who formerly was in
      attendance upon the king's court to take into custody
      persons committed by the court. --Mozley & W.
      [1913 Webster]

Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

BASTON. An old French word, which signifies a staff, or club, In some old
English statutes the servants or officers of the wardens of the Fleet are so
called, because they attended the king's courts with a red staff. Vide
Tipstaff.