lancepesade

Meaning

Noun

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

Origin

• From the Italian lancia spezzata, literally meaning "broken lance" or "broken spear", this term denotes a seasoned soldier who is not a part of a lances fournies (a medieval military unit comprising an armored horseman and his supporting retinue, totaling about 5-10 men).