picador

American  

[pik-uh-dawr, pee-kah-thawr] / ˈpɪk əˌdɔr, ˌpi kɑˈðɔr /

noun

plural

picadors,

plural

picadores

1. one of the mounted assistants to a matador, who opens the bullfight by enraging the bull and weakening its shoulder muscles with a lance.

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picador British  

/ ˈpɪkəˌdɔː /

noun

1. bullfighting a horseman who pricks the bull with a lance in the early stages of a fight to goad and weaken it

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Etymology

Origin of picador

1790–1800; < Spanish: literally, pricker, equivalent to pic ( ar ) to prick ( pique ¹ ) + -ador < Latin -ātor -ator

Example Sentences

He leads his crew not of banderilleros and picadors, but of drink crafters and cooks through flawless passes to a demanding mob, his “domination of the bull.”

From Salon

Romero waved his picadors to their places, then stood, his cape against his chest, looking across the ring to where the bull would come out.

From Literature

There are many matadors, picadors, minotaurs, bulls and horses in a new show exploring Picasso and the importance of bullfighting – but also a glimpse of his terrible treatment of women.

From The Guardian

As well as the matadors themselves, 16 of their assistants were injured - these include "picadors" on horseback, "banderilleros" on foot, and a sword page.

From BBC

Like a picador, he takes his time to sap the strength of his foes before clubbing them unconscious.

From Newsweek

Related Words

• buffoon
• comedian
• comic
• fool
• jester
• mime
• prankster