Pike

A pike (Latin name esox lucius) is a carnivorous freshwater fish, growing to a relatively large size.

Alternatively the word pike can refer to a pole weapon once used extensively by infantry and foot-soldiers principally as a counter-measure against cavalry assaults. Pikes were extremely long weapons, and could exceed six metres in lenght. The steel tip was fairly long compared to the shaft, making the weapon most unwieldy in close combat. This meant that pikemen were often equipped with a sword for close encounters. In operation on the battlefield, pikes were often used in large square formations, defending attached musketeers. Large pike formations were in use during the 17th century, but were eventually rendered obsolete by long range firearms such as rifles.