n.
- a long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, formerly used by a horseman in charging.
- a similar weapon used in hunting fish or whales.
- a metal pipe supplying a jet of oxygen to a furnace or to make a very hot flame for cutting.
v.
- Medicine prick or cut open with a sharp instrument.
- pierce with or as if with a lance.
- move suddenly and quickly.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. lance (n.), lancier (v.), from L. lancea (n.).