† eˈspontoon Obs.
[ad. Fr. esponton (cf. Sp. esponton), ad. It. spuntone: spontoon.]
A half pike carried by an infantry officer; = spontoon.
| 1772 T. Simes Mil. Guide, s.v. 1815 Southey in Q. Rev. XII. 339 Capt. Lewis slipped and..recovered himself by means of his espontoon. 1838 Sparks Biog. W. Eaton ii. IX. 173 Was met in his advance by the other, with his espontoon. |