Pike

Pike

Noun · /paɪk/ · a large freshwater predatory fish; a long thrusting weapon; a turnpike or road

Definition

Pike has three main meanings. First: a large, aggressive freshwater fish with a long snout and sharp teeth — a top predator in lakes and rivers. Second: a long wooden shaft with a sharp metal point used as a weapon by infantry from the Middle Ages through the 17th century. Third: short for turnpike — a main road or toll road, especially in American English. All three meanings share the idea of something long, sharp, or direct.

Origin

The fish sense comes from Old English pīc (point), referring to its pointed jaw. The weapon sense comes from Old French pique (to prick, to pierce). The road sense is shortened from turnpike — originally a spiked barrier across a road where tolls were collected. All three senses entered Middle English by the 14th–15th centuries.