lance — a long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, used by knights on horseback
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, used by knights on horseback
Pronunciation (IPA): /læns/
Example Sentences
- Sir Clumsy broke three lances in practice before the tournament even started.
- The surgeon carefully lanced the abscess with a sterile scalpel.
- Don Quixote thought his makeshift lance could defeat any windmill.
lance
NOUN[/læns/]
a long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, used by knights on horseback
a long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, used by knights on horseback
In France, the knight with lance joins the dance!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin 'lancea', originally denoting a light spear used by Gallic peoples. Through Medieval Latin and Old French, it evolved to describe the heavy cavalry lance wielded by knights during the Middle Ages, and later entered medical terminology for surgical instruments.
Breakdown
Latin 'lancea' (light spear) → Old French 'lance' → Middle English 'lance'. The root 'lancea' itself likely derives from Gallic, reflecting the weapon's origin among Celtic peoples.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Sir Clumsy broke three lances in practice before the tournament even started.”
“The surgeon carefully lanced the abscess with a sterile scalpel.”
“Don Quixote thought his makeshift lance could defeat any windmill.”
“The knight's colorful pennant fluttered from the tip of his lance.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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