C18: from Greek hoplitēs, from hoplon weapon, from hepein to prepare
hoplite in American English
(ˈhɑpˌlaɪt)
noun
a heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece
Word origin
Gr hoplitēs < hoplon, a tool < hepein, to prepare, care for < IE base *sep-, to concern oneself with > Sans sápati, (he) woos, cultivates, L sepelire, to bury