3. (Founding) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in
casting a shell.
4. (Mil.) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance
and forces it home.
5. (Pyrotech.) 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, 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.