Where does “pike” come from?
Pike comes from Middle English pike, from Old English pīc, from Proto-Germanic pīkaz, a word of uncertain origin and meaning.
pike (English): A very long spear used two-handed by infantry...
Definitions
- A very long spear used two-handed by infantry...
Ancestry of “pike”, step by step
pike traces back through 3 separate lines of ancestry.
via Middle English pike
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | pike | Alternative form of pyke; pike; sharp point, iron... |
| 2 | Old English | pīc | pointed object, pick axe |
| 3 | Proto-Germanic | *pīk | — |
| 4 | Latin | pix | pitch, tar |
| 5 | Proto-Indo-European | pik- | to be angry; pitch; resin |
| 6 | Proto-Indo-European | pi- | sap, juice |
via Middle English pyk
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | pyk | Alternative form of pyke; a sharp point, pike |
| 2 | Old English | piic | a pike, needle, pin, peak, pinnacle |
via Middle English pyke
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | pyke | A sharp round point or projection; A point or end... |