pikeman

pikeman

A pikeman stands guard at the toll gate.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • Historical soldier: A "pikeman" is a soldier who is armed with a pike, a long wooden pole with a pointed metal head, typically used in infantry formations from the 15th to the 18th centuries.
    • Worker using a pickaxe: In mining or construction, a "pikeman" can refer to a worker who uses a pickaxe (a tool with a sharp, pointed head) for breaking up ground or rock.
    • Turnpike toll collector: In historical contexts, a "pikeman" is a person who guards or collects tolls at a turnpike (a gate or barrier on a road where a fee is paid for passage).
Usage Examples

  • Historical soldier:

    • The pikeman stood ready in the front line, his long pike aimed at the approaching cavalry. (A soldier armed with a pike in a battle formation.)

  • Worker using a pickaxe:

    • The pikeman swung his tool repeatedly to break the hard soil in the quarry. (A miner or laborer using a pickaxe.)

  • Turnpike toll collector:

    • The pikeman demanded a shilling from each traveler before raising the gate. (A toll collector at a road barrier.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Pikeman" in historical warfare: The role of the pikeman was crucial in forming defensive squares or lines, protecting archers and musketeers from cavalry charges.

    • The Swiss pikemen were renowned for their discipline and effectiveness in battle. (Swiss soldiers armed with pikes.)

  • "Pikeman" as a mining term: This usage is less common in modern English but appears in historical or technical texts.

    • The pikeman worked alongside the driller to clear rubble from the tunnel. (A miner using a pickaxe.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Pike (n): the weapon used by a pikeman, consisting of a long wooden shaft with a sharp metal point.

    • The soldier polished his pike before the parade. (The long pole weapon.)

  • Pikeman (n) has no common variant forms; it is a compound noun derived from "pike" + "man".

Synonyms
  • Historical soldier: Lancer, spearman (soldiers with similar long-pointed weapons).
  • Worker using a pickaxe: Miner, navvy, excavator (workers who dig or break ground).
  • Turnpike toll collector: Gatekeeper, tollman, turnpike keeper.
Phrasal Verbs
  • None directly associated with "pikeman", as it is a noun for a specific role. However, related verbs include:
    • "Pike" (verb, rare): to use a pike or to move swiftly like a pike fish.
      • The soldier piked his weapon forward. (He thrust his pike.)
Related Idioms

  • "To come under the pike": An uncommon historical idiom meaning to be attacked by pikemen or to face a dangerous situation.

    • The cavalry came under the pike and was forced to retreat. (They were attacked by pikemen.)

  • "Pikeman's guard": A defensive posture or stance, sometimes used metaphorically.

    • He stood in a pikeman's guard, ready to defend his position. (A defensive stance.)