Medieval Glossary
Pike
Appearing in the late fifteenth century, a kind of long, piercing-headed polearm that was very effective when infantry would use it against cavalry. The haft of a pike is between fifteen and eighteen feet long. Similar to a spear, large langets prevent the head from being cut off.
Related term(s): Polearm; Haft; Spear; Langets; Halberd; Glaive
Category: Weapons
Added: 07.05.04
Last modified: 07.09.05
Source information:
Wise, Terrence. Medieval Warfare. New York: Hastings House Publishers, Inc., 1976. 84.
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