Pi`o*neer" (?), 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.
2. One who goes before, as into the
wilderness, preparing the way for others to follow; as,
pioneers of civilization; pioneers of reform.
Pi`o*neer", v. t. & i. [imp. &
p. p. Pioneered (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Pioneering.] To go before, and prepare or
open a way for; to act as pioneer.