bomb lance

noun

1. a harpoon fitted with an explosive head.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bomb lance¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Then came the dull explosion of the bomb-lance somewhere in the vitals of the whale.

From Project Gutenberg

Nearly all of our whale ships, however, are supplied with the fatal and destructive bomb lance.

From Project Gutenberg

The bomb lance may be fired with effect at a whale, at a distance of about fifty yards or more.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Gibson went over backward, exploding the gun and sending the bomb-lance into the air.

From Project Gutenberg

The bomb-lance and gun are all very well; but the harpoon is the real weapon on which the whaleman must depend.

From Project Gutenberg