peltast

/ ˈpɛltæst /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) a lightly armed foot soldier

Word History and Origins

Origin of peltast¹

C17: from Latin peltasta, from Greek peltastēs soldier equipped with a pelta, a small leather shield

Example Sentences

The critic is no hero: he is at best but a skipping peltast, engaged as often as not in inglorious flight.

From Project Gutenberg

Though his men were forming on the hill, Cleon fled as fast as he could on the approach of the enemy, but was pursued and slain by a Thracian peltast.

From Project Gutenberg

"No, nor yet a peltast"; but he had been ordered by his messmates to drive a mule, although he was a free man.

From Project Gutenberg