PIKESTAVES Meaning and
Definition
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Pikestaves refer to long, sturdy poles that are typically made of wood and used as weapons or tools. This term is derived from the compound word "pike" (meaning a long, pointed weapon) and "stave" (meaning a long, narrow piece of wood).
In the context of weaponry, pikestaves were commonly used during medieval times. They were weapons of war that consisted of a sharpened metal point at one end, called the pikehead, and a wooden pole that measured about 10 to 20 feet in length. Pikestaves were primarily employed by infantry soldiers, forming lines or squares known as pike formations to deter mounted cavalry and repel enemy advances. These pole weapons provided soldiers with increased reach and allowed them to maintain a defensive barrier against attackers.
Additionally, pikestaves had functional uses beyond warfare. They served as versatile tools for various tasks such as construction, farming, or navigating through difficult terrain. When not engaged in battle, pikestaves were used as walking sticks or as supports for objects like tents or canopies. Their length made them useful for traversing marshy areas or as makeshift bridges over streams or ditches.
Overall, pikestaves were multipurpose implements that played significant roles in the military and civilian spheres, symbolizing strength, defense, and utility.
Common Misspellings for PIKESTAVES
- oikestaves
- likestaves
- -ikestaves
- 0ikestaves
- pukestaves
- pjkestaves
- pkkestaves
- pokestaves
- p9kestaves
- p8kestaves
- pijestaves
- pimestaves
- pilestaves
- pioestaves
- piiestaves
- pikwstaves
- piksstaves
- pikdstaves
- pikrstaves
- pik4staves
Etymology of PIKESTAVES
The word "pikestaves" originated from Middle English. It is a compound word consisting of two elements: "pike" and "staves".
The term "pike" can be traced back to Old English "píca", which referred to a spear or long pointed weapon used in battle. The word derives from the Latin "pica" meaning "magpie" or "woodpecker". The association with these birds possibly stems from the beak-like shape of the weapon.
The word "stave" comes from Old English "stæf", which meant a staff, rod, or stick. It can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "stabaz". Over time, "stave" has developed various meanings, often related to structural supports, such as the narrow pieces of wood forming the sides of a barrel or a musical notation.
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