Definitions for "Landsknechts"
German mercenaries organised and equipped in imitation of the Swiss pikemen. (Wise, Terence. Medieval Warfare, 249)
The word Landsknecht was first used to describe some soldiers in about 1470, and actually means ‘servant of the country' in German. The Landsknechts, as most people think of them, were a force of German mercenary soldiers originally recruited by Maximilian 1( 1493- 1519). They had a fearsome reputation, often thrown into the hottest parts of any battle, but to modern eyes their appearance is deceptive. Unlike many armies, uniform was not required, but they had plenty of money, and were unlikely to need a retirement plan. As a result the Landsknechts were famous for their garish costume, incorporating bright colours, slashed and puffed silks and hats with an outrageous number of brightly coloured ostrich feathers. This means some re-enactors snigger at Landsknechts, but only when they're not looking.