Backspear

/ˈbækspɪr/ noun

Definition

A spear or pike thrust aimed backward, or a soldier armed with such a weapon (archaic military term).

Etymology

Back + spear; from Old English 'spere.' This term appears in medieval military terminology when pike formations required soldiers to protect the rear ranks with backward-facing weapons.

Kelly Says

Medieval armies had to worry about attacks from all directions, so they developed specialized fighting techniques—the backspear fighter was essentially the bodyguard of the formation, defending vulnerable comrades!

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