sb. pl. [L. vēlitēs, pl. of vēlit-, vēles. So F. vélites.] Light-armed soldiers employed as skirmishers in the Roman armies.
1600. Holland, Livy, 532. The light armed darters (called Velites) … so assailed the defendants, that they [etc.].
1641. [see VELITAND v.]
1728. Chambers, Cycl., Velites, in the Roman Army, a kind of antient Soldiery, who were arm’d with a Javelin, a Cask, Cuirasse, and Shield.
1845. Encycl. Metrop., XVI. 191. Of the velites, or youngest and fourth order of troops,… Polybius makes no mention in his details of Roman castrametation.
1869. Boutell, Arms & Armour, iv. 59. The velites, or light infantry, whose entire equipment was in exact conformity with their distinctive denomination.
1892. L. Villari, Life & Times Machiavelli, II. viii. 326 [Transl. M.’s Art of War]. In order that the battalion may be protected on all sides … it is strengthened by 1500 extra foot soldiers, of whom 1000 are armed with pikes,… and 500 velites.
