n.
   - a person who is the first to explore or settle a new country or area.
 - an innovator or developer of new ideas or techniques.
 - a member of an infantry group preparing roads or terrain for the main body of troops.
 
v.
  - be a pioneer of.
 - open up (a road or terrain) as a pioneer.
 
 
  Derivative
  
  Etymology
  C16: from Fr. pionnier ‘foot soldier, pioneer’.