Picket

English Meaning

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

1. A pointed stake often driven into the ground to support a fence, secure a tent, tether animals, mark points in surveying, or, when pointed at the top, serve as a defense.
2. A detachment of one or more troops, ships, or aircraft held in readiness or advanced to warn of an enemy's approach: "The outlying sonar picket.... was to detect, localize, and engage any submarine trying to close the convoy” ( Tom Clancy).
3. A person or group of persons stationed outside a place of employment, usually during a strike, to express grievance or protest and discourage entry by nonstriking employees or customers.
4. A person or group of persons present outside a building to protest.
5. To enclose, secure, tether, mark out, or fortify with pickets.
6. To post as a picket.
7. To guard with a picket.
8. To post a picket or pickets during a strike or demonstration.
9. To act or serve as a picket.