velites

British  

/ ˈviːlɪˌtiːz /

plural noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of velites

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

Example Sentences

To avoid infection, the corpses of the velites had been speedily buried; and the position of the graves was no longer visible.

From Salammbo by Flaubert, Gustave

Ladders had been placed beforehand in this passage against the wall of cliff; and, protected by the windings of the gaps, the velites were able to seize and mount them before being overtaken.

From Salammbo by Flaubert, Gustave

Night and day on the headland velites had been watching for the trireme of Antipater.

From Vergilius A Tale of the Coming of Christ by Bacheller, Irving

The Barbarians dashed into it in order to overtake the velites; quite at the bottom other Carthaginians were running tumultuously amid galloping oxen.

From Salammbo by Flaubert, Gustave

Behind the intervals between them might be seen the cohorts of the velites, and further on the great helmets of the Clinabarians, with steel heads glancing in the sun, cuirasses, plumes, and waving standards.

From Salammbo by Flaubert, Gustave