Definitions for: Lance


[n] a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
[n] a long pointed rod used as a weapon
[n] an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish
[v] open by piercing with a lancet, as of a boil
[v] pierce with a lance, as in a knights' fight
[v] move quickly, as if by cutting one's way; "Planes lanced towards the shore"



Webster (1913) Definition: Lance, n. [OE. lance, F. lance, fr. L. lancea; cf. Gr.
?. Cf. Launch.]
1. A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and
a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and
often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or
harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.

A braver soldier never couched lance. --Shak.

2. A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.

3. (Founding) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the
mold in casting a shell.

4. (Mil.) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece
of ordnance and forces it home.

5. (Pyrotech.) One of the small paper cases filled with
combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a
figure.

Free lance, in the Middle Ages, and subsequently, a knight
or roving soldier, who was free to engage for any state or
commander that purchased his services; hence, a person who
assails institutions or opinions on his own responsibility
without regard to party lines or deference to authority.


Lance bucket (Cavalry), a socket attached to a saddle or
stirrup strap, in which to rest the but of a lance.

Lance corporal, same as Lancepesade.

Lance knight, a lansquenet. --B. Jonson.

Lance snake (Zo["o]l.), the fer-de-lance.

Stink-fire lance (Mil.), a kind of fuse filled with a
composition which burns with a suffocating odor; -- used
in the counter operations of miners.

To break a lance, to engage in a tilt or contest.


Lance, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lanced; p. pr. & vb. n.
Lancing.]
1. To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.

Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced Her
back. --Dryden.

2. To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or
an abscess.

3. To throw in the manner of a lance. See Lanch.

Synonyms: fishgig, fizgig, gig, lancet, shaft, spear

See Also: arm, assagai, assegai, barb, fishing gear, fishing rig, fishing tackle, go, harpoon, implement, javelin, leister, locomote, move, open, open up, pierce, rig, spearhead, spearpoint, surgical knife, tackle, thrust, travel, trident, weapon, weapon system

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