lancer
n.n. a type of soldier or knight from the past who used a long spear called a lance. They were famous for charging at enemies on horseback.
n. a heavy cavalryman who fought with a long thrusting spear, typically on horseback. Historically associated with the knightly class and the medieval period.
The lancer charged toward the enemy line.
During the medieval battles, the lancer was often the first to break the enemy's formation with a powerful charge.
The tactical advantage of the lancer lay in his ability to maintain momentum while striking, a skill that made him a formidable opponent on the open battlefield.
From French lancier (“lancer”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 20, 2026