/pikt/ , n.
a member of an ancient people of uncertain origin who inhabited parts of northern Britain, fought against the Romans, and in the 9th century A.D. united with the Scots.
[ bef. 900; back formation from ME Pictes (pl.) Picti lit., painted ones, pl. of pictus, ptp. of pingere to PAINT; r. ME Peghttes, OE Peohtas, Pihtas ]