noun / verb
picket
a person or small group stationed to watch for danger
The picket watches the road from beyond the camp.
Etymology
French piquet developed from a small stake to a military post or detachment. English adopted the military sense for personnel stationed forward to watch and give warning.
More examples
- Several pickets guarded the approaches.
- They picketed the ridge before nightfall.
- The unit is picketing the perimeter.
Forms
picket · pickets · picketed · picketing