n.
Pronunciation: ' pi-k ə t
Function: noun
Etymology: French piquet, from Middle French, from piquer to prick ― more at PIKE
Date: circa 1702
1 : a pointed or sharpened stake, post, or pale
2 a : a detached body of soldiers serving to guard an army from surprise b : a detachment kept ready in camp for such duty c : SENTRY
3 : a person posted by a labor organization at a place of work affected by a strike also : a person posted for a demonstration or protest