Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pioneer
Piˊo-neer′
,Noun.
[F.
pionier
, orig., a foot soldier, OF. peonier
, fr. OF. peon
a foot soldier, F. pion
. See Pawn
in chess.] 1.
(Mil.)
A soldier detailed or employed to form roads, dig trenches, and make bridges, as an army advances.
2.
One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow;
as,
pioneers
of civilization; pioneers
of reform.Piˊo-neer′
,Verb.
T.
& I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Pioneered
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Pioneering
.] 1.
To go before, and prepare or open a way for; to act as pioneer.
Webster 1828 Edition
Pioneer
PIONEE'R
,Noun.
1.
In the art and practice of war, one whose business is to march with or before an army, to repair the road or clear it of obstructions, work at intrenchments, or form mines for destroying an enemy's works.2.
One that goes before to remove obstructions or prepare the way for another.