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(lns), n.[OE. lance, F. lance, fr. L. lancea; cf. Gr. lo°gchh. 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 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. スポンサード リンク
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