lance

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

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.

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