noun
- ancient Greek light infantry soldiers armed with javelins and small shields
Usage: historical; military
Examples
- The peltasts harassed the enemy with javelin attacks before retreating.
- Ancient Greek armies often used peltasts to support their heavy infantry.
- The peltasts were more mobile than the heavily armored hoplites.
- Thracian peltasts were particularly feared for their skill with javelins.
- The general deployed peltasts on the flanks to protect his main force.
- Unlike hoplites, peltasts carried lighter equipment for greater mobility.