hoplite

[ hop-lahyt ]

noun

1. a heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece.

hoplite

/ hɒpˈlɪtɪk; ˈhɒplaɪt /

noun

1. (in ancient Greece) a heavily armed infantryman

Derived Forms

• hoplitic, adjective

Other Words From

• hop·lit·ic [hop-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoplite¹

1720–30; < Greek hoplī́tēs, equivalent to hópl ( on ) piece of armor, particularly the large shield + -ītēs -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of hoplite¹

C18: from Greek hoplitēs, from hoplon weapon, from hepein to prepare

Example Sentences

In essence, a hoplite was a citizen-soldier who took up arms to defend or expand the realm of his city-state.

From Realm of History

However, at the same time, an upward thrust had less impact or momentum, simply because of its lesser leverage, reach, and defensive posture of the hoplite.

From Realm of History

Of course, unlike the man-at-arms of the late medieval period, the hoplite was first and foremost a citizen-soldier.

From Realm of History

We also know that many hoplites preferred to keep the Corinthian helmets tipped back on their heads during non-combat situations, thereby suggesting the cramped nature of the designs.

From Realm of History

Now Artybios was riding a horse which had been trained to rear up against a hoplite.

From Project Gutenberg

A horseman fully armed is thrusting his spear into the body of his fallen foe,—a hoplite.

From Project Gutenberg

A horseman fully armed is thrusting his spear into the body of his fallen foe—a hoplite.

From Project Gutenberg

Thirdly, if Draco had instituted a hoplite census, Solon would not have substituted citizenship by birth.

From Project Gutenberg

She had been early plighted to a young hoplite of Ithaca, named Aulakes.

From Project Gutenberg