Pronunciation: [pɪkˈi͡ə] (IPA) 
The word "Pickeer" is written with two "e"s, despite the fact that the second "e" is silent. This is due to the word's origin in French, where the second "e" would have been pronounced. The phonetic transcription for "Pickeer" is /pɪˈkɪər/, with the accent on the first syllable and a short "i" sound. Despite the unusual spelling, "Pickeer" has a straightforward pronunciation once the silent "e" is accounted for.
Pickeer is a term that can function as both a noun and a verb, and is typically associated with military tactics and warfare. As a noun, pickeer refers to a type of skirmish or small-scale military engagement. It involves the engagement of small detachments of troops, often employing irregular tactics, with the intent of either disrupting the enemy's advance or reconnaissance or fortifying defensive positions. These brief combats are usually characterized by hit-and-run tactics and guerrilla-style warfare, making it difficult for the enemy to retaliate effectively.
As a verb, to pickeer is the action of engaging in such small-scale military operations. It describes the act of participating in or initiating skirmishes with the objective of harassing or weakening the opposing forces. In broader terms, picking refers to the act of selecting targets selectively or carefully for attack or disruption.
The term "pickeer" originated from the old French word "piquer," meaning to prick or select. It gained popularity in the military contexts of the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the age of pike and shot warfare, where small groups of troops would be deployed to harass or engage the enemy in hit-and-run tactics.
In modern military terminology, pickeer may also refer to the act of conducting reconnaissance missions in preparation for larger military operations, providing valuable intelligence to commanders for strategic decision-making.
The word "pickeer" has a Scots origin. It is derived from the Middle French word "piquer", meaning "to prick" or "to poke". In the 16th century, the word was adopted into Scots and took on the form "pickeer", referring to a skirmish or small-scale attack. It has been used particularly in the context of military tactics, where it describes a group of soldiers sent out to harass or engage with the enemy.
