picquet

We used to spell the word picquet, because that was understood to be the correct thing, in that Department at least; and they used to say at post head-quarters that as soon as the officer in command of the outposts grew negligent, and was guilty of a k, he was ordered in immediately.

Army Life in a Black Regiment Higginson, Thomas W 1869

They'd gobble up the picquet there, and be over the Natal border by sundown; it behoved Flashy to bear away north, and try to cross the river well beyond the reach of the impis.

Watershed 2010

It was the place to linger with a girl, but presently it grew chilly, so we went down to our hand of picquet.

THE NUMBERS 2010

But what were the surprise and alarm of the Earl of Oxford and his companions, when they came to that part of the camp which had been occupied the day before by Campo-Basso and his Italians, who, reckoning men-at-arms and Stradiots, amounted to nigh two thousand men — not a challenge was given — not a horse neighed — no steeds were seen at picquet — no guard on the camp.

Anne of Geierstein 2008

Long rows of the noblest horses were seen at picquet, prancing and tossing their heads, as impatient of the inactivity to which they were confined, or were heard neighing over the provender, which was spread plentifully before them.

Anne of Geierstein 2008

The Major, who was quite forgiven by this time, had wheeled a little table up to Cleopatra, and was sitting down to play picquet with her.

Dombey and Son 2007

There was the sleepy Sunday of his boyhood, when, like a military deserter, he was marched to chapel by a picquet of teachers three times a day, morally handcuffed to another boy; and when he would willingly have bartered two meals of indigestible sermon for another ounce or two of inferior mutton at his scanty dinner in the flesh.

Little Dorrit 2007

The two young men ordered a broiled bone, Madeira negus, and a pack of cards, and commenced a game at picquet.

The Heart of Mid-Lothian 2007

Manager, with little apparent hope of an answer in the affirmative, if he played picquet.

Dombey and Son 2007

Your black (Zamor, I think, was his name) used to give me reports every morning; and I used to entertain the dear old Duke with stories of you and your uncle practising picquet and dice in the morning, and with your quarrels and intrigues.

The Memoires of Barry Lyndon 2006