Gr. Antiq. [a. Gr. ξυστόν the polished shaft of a spear, hence a spear, neut. of ξυστός scraped, polished, f. ξύειν to scrape, polish.] (See quot., and cf. SARISSA.)
1856. Grote, Greece, II. xcii. XII. 77. The regiments of cavalry called Sarissophori or Lancers … carrying a long lance, and distinguished from the heavier cavalry … who carried the xyston or short pike.
