n. A long spear used rather by couching and in the charge than for throwing; especially, the long spear of the middle ages, and of certain modern cavalry regiments in which the use of this arm is retained.n. Any long and slender spear: applied loosely to weapons of savage tribes, etc.n. The instrument with which a whale is killed after being harpooned and tired out.n. In carpentry, a pointed blade, as that affixed to one side of a chipping-bit or router to sever the grain around the path of the tool. It is also used in certain crozes, gages, and planes.n. A pyrotechnic squib used for various purposes.n. An iron rod which is fixed across the earthen mold of a shell, and keeps it suspended in the air when the shell is cast.n. One skilled in the use of the lance; a soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.n. In ichthyology, same as sand-lance.To pierce with a lance, or with any sharp-pointed instrument.To open with or as if with a lancet: as, to lance an abscess.To throw in the manner of a javelin; launch.To shoot forth as a lance.To shoot or spring up.To pierce.n. A balance.n. A pointed stick of light timber used for the erection of a temporary telegraph-or telephone-line: used especially in military operations.