† ˈvelitary, a. Obs.
[ad. L. vēlitāris, f. vēlit-, vēles: see velites.]
Of or pertaining to, characteristic of, light-armed troops.
| 1600 Holland Livy 995 The Consull..had made provision aforehand of great store of darts, light velitarie javelines, arrowes,..and small stones. 1623 Bingham Lipsius's Comparison Xenophon 5 Surely the most of our men are vnarmed, and what else, but to be compared to velitarie bands? 1632 Holland Cyrupædia 139 They, who at that time defaited the velitary fight and skirmish of Archers and Javeletiers. 1649 J. Robinson Misc. Propositions Pref. p. iv, My intention is..by excursions, in a velitary way, to skirmish with some, whom..I dissent from. |