lancepesade

noun

plural -s

obsolete

: lance corporal

Word History

Etymology

Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French lancepessade, from Old Italian lancia spezzata battle-trained or seasoned soldier, select soldier, literally, broken lance, from lancia lance (from Latin lancea) + spezzata, feminine of spezzato, past participle of spezzare to break into pieces, from s- dis- (from Latin dis-) + pėzza piece, from Medieval Latin petia

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now