- pike
- pike1noun (plural same) a long-bodied predatory freshwater fish with long teeth. [Esox lucius and related species.]↘used in names of similar predatory fish, e.g. garpike.OriginME: from pike2 (because of the fish's pointed jaw).————————pike2noun1》 historical an infantry weapon with a pointed steel or iron head on a long wooden shaft.2》 N. English (in the Lake District) a hill with a peaked top: Scafell Pike.verb historical thrust through or kill with a pike.OriginC16: from Fr. pique, from piquer 'pierce', from pic 'pick, pike'; sense 2 is appar. of Scand. origin.————————pike3Phrasescome down the pike informal appear on the scene; come to notice.————————pike4noun a jackknife position in diving or gymnastics.Origin1920s: of unknown origin.————————pike5verb Austral./NZ informal1》 (pike out) withdraw from or go back on (a plan, commitment, or agreement).2》 (pike on) let (someone) down.OriginME (as pike oneself 'take up a pilgrim's staff'): cf. Dan. pigge af 'hasten off'.
English new terms dictionary. 2014.