GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Pioneer (?), n. [F. pionier, orig., a foot soldier, OF. peonier, fr. OF. peon a foot soldier, F. pion. See Pawn in chess.]
   1. (Mil.) A soldier detailed or employed to form roads, dig trenches, and make bridges, as an army advances.
   
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   2. One who goes before, as into the wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow; as, “pioneers of civilization; pioneers of reform.”
   
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2.       
   Pioneer, v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Pioneered (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Pioneering.]
   1. To go before, and prepare or open a way for; to act as pioneer.
   
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   2. to take part in the early development of; to break ground in; to invent or originate.
   
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