pilum

[ pahy-luhm ]

noun

, plural pi·la [pahy, -l, uh].

1. a javelin used in ancient Rome by legionaries, consisting of a three-foot-long shaft with an iron head of the same length.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilum¹

From the Latin word pīlum dart, javelin

Example Sentences

The pilum is a stout wooden shaft 41 feet long, with an iron spit about three feet long fixed in it.

From Project Gutenberg

(Turning to Ftatateeta) Come within a yard of me, you old crocodile; and I will give you this (the pilum) in your jaws.

From Project Gutenberg

As for you, Apollodorus, you may thank the gods that you are not nailed to the palace door with a pilum for your meddling.

From Project Gutenberg

The pilum was sometimes used at close quarters, but more commonly it was thrown.

From Project Gutenberg

Pilum, pī′lum, n. the heavy javelin used by Roman foot-soldiers:—pl.

From Project Gutenberg