sarissa

A Macedonian soldier holds a long sarissa in formation.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A long pike: "sarissa" refers to a long spear or pike used by the ancient Macedonian phalanx, typically ranging from 4 to 7 meters (13–23 feet) in length. It was a key weapon in the military tactics of Alexander the Great's army.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Macedonian soldiers wielded the sarissa with both hands, forming a dense wall of spear points. (A long pike used in ancient warfare.)
  • Historians believe the sarissa gave the Macedonian phalanx a significant advantage over shorter Greek spears. (The weapon's length allowed soldiers to strike enemies from a distance.)

Advanced Usage

• "sarissa phalanx": a military formation using the sarissa.

  • The sarissa phalanx was a formidable force, as its overlapping spears created an impenetrable defense. (A formation of soldiers armed with long pikes.)

• "sarissa bearer": a soldier trained to use the sarissa.

  • Each sarissa bearer had to maintain precise coordination to avoid tangling the long weapons. (A soldier specialized in using the pike.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sarissophoroi (n, plural): Greek term for soldiers armed with the sarissa.
  • The sarissophoroi were the backbone of the Macedonian infantry. (Spear-bearing soldiers.)

Synonyms

• Pike: a long, thrusting spear used by infantry.
• Lance: a long weapon used by cavalry or infantry, though typically shorter than a sarissa.
• Spear: a general term for a pole weapon with a pointed tip.

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms directly using "sarissa," as it is a historical term. However, it may appear in military or historical contexts:
  • "To wield the sarissa": to use a long pike in battle; metaphorically, to employ a powerful or overwhelming tactic.

    • In negotiations, he wielded the sarissa of his legal arguments, overwhelming the opposition. (Used figuratively to describe a powerful strategy.)