phalangite

English

Etymology

Ultimately from Ancient Greek φαλαγγίτης (phalangítēs), equivalent to phalanx +‎ -ite.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈfæləndʒaɪt/

Noun

phalangite (plural phalangites)

1. (historical) A soldier belonging to a phalanx.
2. (historical) Specifically, a pikeman fighting in a Macedonian phalanx, armed with a two-handed pike and using a smaller shield than the hoplite's aspis.

References

• “phalangite”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.