Etymology
The presumed origin of the rank of lance corporal derives from an amalgamation of corporal with the now-archaic lancepesade, formerly a non-commissioned officer of the lowest rank. This in turn derives from the Italian lancia spezzata, which literally means "broken lance" or "broken spear", which was used to denote a seasoned soldier or mercenary, who was not a part of a "lance". "Lance" or "Lances fournies" was a term used in Medieval Europe to denote a unit of soldiers (usually 5 to 10 men strong).
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Famous quotes containing the word etymology:
“The universal principle of etymology in all languages: words are carried over from bodies and from the properties of bodies to express the things of the mind and spirit. The order of ideas must follow the order of things.”
—Giambattista Vico (1688–1744)
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