Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Pioneer"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Pioneer \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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Pioneer \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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
pioneer
n 1: someone who helps to open up a new line of research or
technology or art [syn: {innovator}]
2: one the first colonists or settler in a new territory; "they
went west as pioneers with only the possessions they could
carry with them"
v 1: open up an area or prepare a way; "She pioneered a graduate
program for women students" [syn: {open up}]
2: take the lead or initiative in; participate in the
development of; "This South African surgeon pioneered
heart transplants" [syn: {initiate}]
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