half-pike

American  

[haf-pahyk, hahf-] / ˈhæfˌpaɪk, ˈhɑf- /

noun

1. spontoon.

2. a short pike formerly used by sailors boarding enemy vessels.

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Etymology

Origin of half-pike

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

"So decide, decide!" he continued, dancing a clumsy step and tossing a half-pike round his head.

From The Red Cockade by Weyman, Stanley John

A javelin formerly used by the French, the point of which resembled a fleur-de-lis: it is also generally applied to the half-pike or javelin.

From The Sailor's Word-Book An Alphabetical Digest of Nautical Terms, including Some More Especially Military and Scientific, but Useful to Seamen; as well as Archaisms of Early Voyagers, etc. by Belcher, Edward, Sir

He began with the end of a half-pike to mark out a rough plan on the dry sand.

From With Drake on the Spanish Main by Strang, Herbert

Your spade beard was, then came your dagger or stiletto and now—" "Hum!" says I, "It may be your broadsword or half-pike for aught I care.

From Black Bartlemy's Treasure by Farnol, Jeffery

A half-pike was a similar weapon having a staff about half the length.

From Anson's Voyage Round the World The Text Reduced by Household, H. W.