‖ velites, n. pl.
(ˈviːlɪtiːz)
[L. vēlitēs, pl. of vēlit-, vēles. So F. vélites.]
Light-armed soldiers employed as skirmishers in the Roman armies.
| 1600 Holland Livy 532 The light armed darters (called Velites)..so assailed the defendants, that they [etc.]. 1641 [see velitand v.]. 1728 Chambers Cycl., Velites, in the Roman Army, a kind of antient Soldiery, who were arm'd with a Javelin, a Cask, Cuirasse, and Shield. 1845 Encycl. Metrop. XVI. 191 Of the velites, or youngest and fourth order of troops,..Polybius makes no mention in his details of Roman castrametation. 1869 Boutell Arms & Armour iv. 59 The velites, or light infantry, whose entire equipment was in exact conformity with their distinctive denomination. 1892 L. Villari Life & Times Machiavelli II. viii. 326 [Transl. M.'s Art of War] In order that the battalion may be protected on all sides..it is strengthened by 1500 extra foot soldiers, of whom 1000 are armed with pikes,..and 500 velites. |