1. Plural of lance; long spears or poles, typically used as weapons by mounted soldiers or in jousting.
Usage: historical; often used in medieval or military contexts
2. Plural of lance; small, thin fish of the sand eel family.
Usage: zoological; also called sand eels

Examples

• The knights carried their launces into the tournament arena.
• Medieval soldiers were trained to wield launces from horseback.
• The museum displayed a collection of ornate launces from the 15th century.
• Fishermen caught several launces in their nets near the sandy shore.
• The jousting competition required competitors to balance their launces carefully.