noun
phalanx
An ancient infantry formation with soldiers standing in close ranks.
The Greek soldiers advance in a phalanx, their shields close together.
Etymology
Greek phalanx named a closely packed battle formation. The modern historical sense preserves that arrangement of infantry in coordinated ranks.
More examples
- The Macedonian phalanx presents a wall of long spears.
- Uneven ground makes it difficult for the phalanx to maintain its ranks.
- Two opposing phalanxes meet on the battlefield.
Forms
phalanx · phalanxes · phalanges