1. plural of lance; long spears with pointed metal heads, especially those used by mounted soldiers
Usage: historical

1. third person singular present of lance; pierces with a sharp pointed instrument
Usage: medical
2. third person singular present of lance; cuts open with a surgical instrument
Usage: medical

Examples

• The medieval knights carried long lances into battle.
• Museum displays show various types of cavalry lances.
• The doctor lances the infected wound to drain it.
• She lances the boil with a sterile needle.
• The surgeon lances the abscess carefully.
• Historical reenactors practice with replica lances.
• The physician lances the cyst in a minor procedure.