lancepesade

English

Etymology

From the Italian lanzia spezzata, which literally means "broken lance" or "broken spear", but which was used to denote a seasoned soldier (the broken spear being a metaphor for combat experience, where such an occurrence was likely).

Noun

lancepesade (plural lancepesades)

1. A grade within the rank of private, either assigned as assistants to corporals or performed the duties of corporals themselves.
2. A grade within the rank of corporal; also called lance corporals.

Derived terms

• lance corporal