a long weapon with a pointed metal head, used by soldiers on horseback in the past, a surgical knife used to make small incisions

break a lance for someone/something, at a lance, take up the lance

Formal and Informal Expressions of lance

In different contexts, you can replace 'lance' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'spear, javelin' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'stick, rod' is a commonplace synonym.

lance: Explore its Definition & Usage

lance Definition

1a long weapon with a pointed metal head, used by soldiers on horseback in the past
2a surgical knife used to make small incisions

Using lance: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lance" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The knight charged with his lance.
Example
The surgeon used a lance to drain the abscess.
Example
He was impaled by a lance during the jousting tournament.

lance Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for lance

Phrases with lance

break a lance for someone/something
to speak in defense or support of someone or something
Example
I will break a lance for my colleague who deserves a promotion.
at a lance
at first sight or glance
Example
At a lance, I knew that he was lying.
take up the lance
to begin a fight or argument
Example
He took up the lance against the new policy.

Origins of lance

from Old French 'lance', meaning 'spear'

📌

Summary: lance in Brief

The term 'lance' [læns] refers to a long weapon with a pointed metal head, historically used by soldiers on horseback. It can also refer to a surgical knife used to make small incisions. The phrase 'break a lance for someone/something' means to speak in defense or support of someone or something.