spearman

American  

[speer-muhn] / ˈspɪər mən /

noun

plural

spearmen

1. a person who is armed with or uses a spear.

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spearman British  

/ ˈspɪəmən /

noun

1. a soldier armed with a spear

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Etymology

Origin of spearman

Middle English word dating back to 1250–1300; see origin at spear ¹, man

Example Sentences

This man’s son had served under the great Odysseus, gone in the decked ships with him to the wild horse country of Troy—a spearman, Antiphos by name.

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

The first guard appeared as they neared die horse lines, a lean spearman whose maroon beard marked him as Tyroshi.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

To this Peiraios the good spearman answered: “Aye, stay in the wild country while you will, I shall be looking after him, Telemakhos. He will not lack good lodging.”

From "The Odyssey" by Homer

The country seems to have been split up into districts which were called on to furnish fifty units, each consisting of an archer and a spearman or shield-bearer.

From Babylonian and Assyrian Laws, Contracts and Letters by Johns, C. H. W. (Claude Hermann Walter)

Simon hurried his pace until he was all but treading on the leather-shod heels of the spearman in front of him.

From The Saracen: Land of the Infidel by Shea, Robert