picketpin

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.A stake sharpened or pointed, especially one used in fortification and encampments, to mark bounds and angles; or one used for tethering horses. [1913 Webster]

2.A pointed pale, used in marking fences. [1913 Webster]

3.[Probably so called from the picketing of the horses.] (Mil.) A detached body of troops serving to guard an army from surprise, and to oppose reconnoitering parties of the enemy; -- called also outlying picket. [1913 Webster]

4.By extension, men appointed by a trades union, or other labor organization, to intercept outsiders, and prevent them from working for employers with whom the organization is at variance. [Cant] [1913 Webster]

5.A military punishment, formerly resorted to, in which the offender was forced to stand with one foot on a pointed stake. [1913 Webster]

6.A game at cards. See Piquet. [1913 Webster]

Inlying picket (Mil.), a detachment of troops held in camp or quarters, detailed to march if called upon.

Picket fence, a fence made of pickets. See def. 2, above.

Picket guard (Mil.), a guard of horse and foot, always in readiness in case of alarm.

Picket line. (Mil.) (a) A position held and guarded by small bodies of men placed at intervals. (b) A rope to which horses are secured when groomed.

Picketpin, an iron pin for picketing horses. [1913 Webster]