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peloton

[pel-uh-ton, pel-uh-ton; French plaw-tawn]
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noun
  1. an ornamental glass made in Bohemia in the late 19th century, usually having a striated overlay of glass filaments in a different color.
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Origin of peloton

1710–20; < French: literally, ball, ball of string, equivalent to pelote ball (see pellet) + -on diminutive suffix
Also called peloton glass.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for peloton

Contemporary Examples

Historical Examples

  • If it were but known, 'they 'd give him a peloton and eight paces.'

  • If the peloton has to be mounted, the Sergeant sees that the horses are properly saddled.

    Trooper 3809

    Lionel Decle

  • I gave twenty francs to the troopers of my peloton to drink my health, and I did not forget my friends Titi and Piatte.

    Trooper 3809

    Lionel Decle

  • Towards this the imperial staff rode forward, while the peloton in front wheeled about, and rode to the rear of our squadrons.

  • I looked up: an equipage was passing from the gate, a peloton of dragoons escorted it; a second followed at full speed.

British Dictionary definitions for peloton

peloton

noun
  1. cycle racing the main field of riders in a road race
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Word Origin

C20: French, literally: pack
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for peloton

n.

1706, "small body of soldiers, platoon," from French peleton, derivative of pelote "ball, heap, platoon" (11c.); see platoon.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper