5. (Pyrotech.)
Defn: 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 (Zoöl.), 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
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.
LANCE FISH
Lance" fish`. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A slender marine fish of the genus Ammodytes, especially
Ammodytes tobianus of the English coast; — called also sand lance.
LANCEGAY; LANCEGAYE
Lance"gay`, Lance"gaye`, n. Etym: [OF. lancegaie, corrupted from the
same source as E. assagai, under the influence of F. lance lance. See
Assagai.]
Defn: A kind of spear anciently used. Its use was prohibited by a statute of Richard II. Nares. In his hand a launcegay, A long sword by his side. Chaucer.