lances

1. A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen.
2. A wooden spear, sometimes hollow, used in jousting or tilting, designed to shatter on impact with the opposing knight’s armour.
3. A spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.
4. A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.
5. An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.
6. (founding) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.
7. One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.
8. A lancet.

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

   to lance a vein or an abscess

3. To throw in the manner of a lance; to lanch.

noun

A platter or dish for serving food in Ancient Rome.