half-pike

half-pike (plural half-pikes)

1. (military) A short pike, sometimes carried by officers of infantry, sometimes used in boarding ships; a spontoon
   • 1709-1711, The Tatler

     paying the Salute with the Halfpike

2. (diving, gymnastics) A position with the knees straight and the body bent at the waist so that the torso is perpendicular to the legs.