Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Spiculum

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich. 

SPI'CULUM (λόγχη). The barbed head of an arrow or spear (Ov. Met. viii. 375. Hor. Od. i. 15. 17. Celsus, vii. 5. 2. Ammian. xxv. 1. 13.) which presents several jagged points like those in an ear of corn (spica), as exemplified by the annexed example (Spiculum/1.1) from the arch of Constantine. Hence the Latin and Greek words are frequently used in the plural to include the point with its barbs.

2. In later times synonymous with PILUM. Veg. Mil. ii. 15.

3. (σαυρωτήρ, οὐρίαχος, στύραξ). The point attached to the butt-end of a lance or spear (Gloss. Vet. ap. Alstorp. de Hast. p. 68.), which served for fixing it upright in the ground (Virg. Aen. xii. 130.), or might be used offensively, if the regular point (cuspis) got damaged or broken off. (Polyb. vi. 25.) We have no express authority, beyond that of the glossary cited, for this usage of the term in Latin; but the Greek names are thoroughly authentic, as well as the object itself, which is represented at large by the top figure in the annexed wood-cut (Spiculum/3.1), from a fictile vase; while the lower one shows the spear complete, with its regular head on the left end, and pointed butt on the right. In early times the Roman lance had no adjunct of this kind; but they adopted it after coming in contact with the Greeks (Polyb. l. c.); which may perhaps account for the circumstance of there not being any distinct term in the Latin language to designate it.

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  Spiculum/1.1
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  Spiculum/3.1