Elance

/ɪˈlæns/ verb

Definition

An archaic or rare word meaning to dart, lance, or thrust forward like a spear or pointed weapon.

Etymology

From French élancer, meaning 'to hurl' or 'to dart.' The word comes from Latin e- (out) plus lanceare (to wield a lance), ultimately from Late Latin lancea (lance).

Kelly Says

Medieval poets loved this word because it combined the elegance of French with the image of knights thrusting lances—it perfectly captured the swift, violent motion of medieval combat in one poetic verb!

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