pilum

American  

[pahy-luhm] / ˈpaɪ ləm /

noun

plural

pila

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

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Etymology

Origin of pilum

From the Latin word pīlum dart, javelin

Example Sentences

Archaeologists say the hiding of the swords and pilum in the cave suggests that the weapons were taken by Judean rebels from Roman soldiers as booty or from the battlefield.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2023

The rare find included a shafted Roman "pilum" spear.

From Reuters • Sep. 6, 2023

While on the upper level of the cave, Dr Gayer spotted an extremely well-preserved Roman pilum, or javelin, in a deep, narrow crevice.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2023

The Holy Lance, or Spear of Destiny, was the iron pilum used by the Roman legionnaire Longinus to pierce Christ’s side as he hung on the cross, to see if he had died.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2016

Frank grabbed the shaft of the pilum below its tip, but his hands were shaking.

From "The Son of Neptune" by Rick Riordan