Obs. [ad. Fr. esponton (cf. Sp. esponton), ad. It. spuntone: SPONTOON.] A half pike carried by an infantry officer; = SPONTOON.
1772. Simes, Mil. Guide, s.v.
1815. Southey, in Q. Rev., XII. 339. Capt. Lewis slipped and … recovered himself by means of his espontoon.
1838. Sparks, Biog. W. Eaton, ii. IX. 173. Was met in his advance by the other, with his espontoon.
