Etymology Map
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Lance

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a long spear used by mounted knights; to cut open with a blade

Where does the word "lance" come from? It comes from Latin lancea, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
lancea
Latin · ancient
"light spear"
Roman writers said the word came from Spain or Gaul
2
Stage 2 of 3
lance
Old French · medieval
"cavalry spear"
the long spear of the mounted knight, couched under the arm to charge
3
Stage 3 of 3
lance
English · 1300s
"a long spear; to pierce"
'freelance' was coined by Walter Scott in 1819 for a mercenary knight
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Read the full story

Lance’s story begins in Latin: lancea meant “light spear.” Roman writers said the word came from Spain or Gaul. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as lance. The long spear of the mounted knight, couched under the arm to charge. It reached English by 1300s as lance. 'freelance' was coined by Walter Scott in 1819 for a mercenary knight. Today, lance means a long spear used by mounted knights; to cut open with a blade.