Obs. Pl. triaries. [ad. L. triāri-ī, sb. pl. (see below), f. trēs, tri- three.] pl. (also collect. sing.) The triarii, or soldiers of the third line in the ancient Roman army. Also fig. or allusively.
1533. Bellenden, Livy, IV. ix. (S.T.S.), II. 79. Seand þe Inemyis sett ernistlie to wyn þe tentis, he Ischit on þare richt hand with ane feirss cumpany of triaris.
1589. Ive, Du Bellay’s Instr. Warres, 76. Naming … the Souldiers of the fyrst battaile Hastaries; those of the second Princes, and those of the third Triaries.
1663. Cowley, Ess. in Verse & Prose, Danger Procrast. If I should draw upon you all my forces out of Seneca and Plutarch upon this subject, I should overwhelm you, but I leave those as Triary for your next charge.
1679. V. Alsop, Melius Inquir., II. viii. 368. This is the last retreat of these Gentlemen; hither they retire as to their Triary and strong reserves.
