launce

[ lans, lahns ]

noun

1. sand lance.

launce

/ lɑːns /

noun

1. another name for the sand eel

Word History and Origins

Origin of launce¹

First recorded in 1615–25; variant of lance ²

Example Sentences

Co-leader Sian Berry will promise to "hit the ground running," at the launce of the party's manifesto, because "the future won't give us another chance to get these next two years right".

From BBC

The sea around me exploded with greater launce, baitfish that leapt from the water and pattered back like rain as mackerel hit them from below.

From The Guardian

The skreen was garnished with corslets and helmets, gaping with open mouths, with coats of mail, launces, pikes, halberts, brown bills, bucklers, &c.”

From Project Gutenberg

By "launces" the writer meant what we should now call the lancelet.

From Project Gutenberg

They also beheaded at the same time Constantine, sticking his head upon a launce, and with derision caused it to be carried thorow the Turkish camp.

From Project Gutenberg