velites

[ˈvɛl.ɪ.teɪs]

velites Definition

a class of infantry soldiers in the Roman army who were armed with light javelins and a small shield.

Using velites: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "velites" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The velites were used as skirmishers and for screening the heavier troops.

  • Example

    The velites were the youngest and poorest soldiers in the Roman army.

Origins of velites

from Latin 'veles', meaning 'light armed soldier'

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Summary: velites in Brief

'Velites' [ˈvɛl.ɪ.teɪs] refers to a class of infantry soldiers in the Roman army who were equipped with light javelins and a small shield. They were mainly used as skirmishers and for screening the heavier troops. The velites were the youngest and poorest soldiers in the Roman army.