picket

¹pick·et

noun \ˈpi-kət\

Definition of PICKET

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

Examples of PICKET

1. a house surrounded by a white picket fence
2. Pickets marched in front of the company headquarters.
3. The strikers held picket signs painted with angry slogans.
4. The students were barred from holding a picket outside the company's headquarters.

Origin of PICKET

French piquet, from Middle French, from piquer to prick — more at pike

First Known Use: circa 1702

Related to PICKET

Synonyms: custodian, guardian, keeper, lookout, minder, guard, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman

Related Words: observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, watchdog; bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard; gatekeeper; hack [slang]

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Rhymes with PICKET

cricket, Pickett, pricket, stickit, thicket, ticket, wicket