n. & v.
n. 1 an initiator of a new enterprise, an inventor, etc. 2 an explorer or settler; a colonist. 3 Mil. a member of an infantry group preparing roads, terrain, etc. for the main body of troops.
v. 1 a tr. initiate or originate (an enterprise etc.). b intr. act or prepare the way as a pioneer. 2 tr. Mil. open up (a road etc.) as a pioneer. 3 tr. go before, lead, or conduct (another person or persons).
[ F pionnier foot-soldier, pioneer, OF paonier, peon(n)ier (as PEON) ]