velites

/ ˈviːlɪˌtiːz /

plural noun

1. light-armed troops in ancient Rome, drawn from the poorer classes

Word History and Origins

Origin of velites¹

C17: from Latin, pl of vēles light-armed foot soldier; related to volāre to fly

Example Sentences

Innumerable words which puzzle the plain reader of a Roman historian are wanting, such as an Ædile, a Prætor, a Quæstor, a Cæsar, a Military Tribune, the Hastati, Principes, Triarii, Velites, the Labarum, or Imperial Standard, the Balistæ, the Balearians, &c.

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The new territories furnished cavalry, better and more numerous than the old equites, and light troops of various kinds to replace the velites.

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After advancing a few paces, he was challenged again by the pickets of the velites, who were thrust out in advance of the gates, and again giving the word was suffered to pass on, and now stood beyond the farthest outpost of his army.

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His velites advanced in front of the standards, with the Cretan archers of Attalus, the slingers, and the corps of Trulles and of the Thracians.

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It was the corps of the Roman velites who did them most harm.

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