pike
n. countablen. a long, heavy spear with a sharp metal point. Soldiers used it a long time ago to fight against horses and other soldiers.
n. a long-shafted pole weapon with a pointed metal head, historically used by infantry to defend against cavalry charges. Often distinguished from a spear by its extreme length, which required two hands to wield.
The soldiers stood in a line holding their pikes.
The infantry formed a defensive square, pointing their pikes outward to prevent the cavalry from breaking their line.
Museum displays of late medieval weaponry often feature pikes exceeding fifteen feet in length, illustrating the specialized training required to maneuver such cumbersome implements in the heat of battle.
The surname is of multiple origins, including Middle English pike.
Commonly appears in historical or military contexts; often used in the phrase 'down the pike' to mean 'in the future'.