Spear vs. Lance: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A spear is a long, typically slender weapon with a pointed tip, mainly used for thrusting or throwing, whereas a lance is a long, heavy spear designed primarily for charging on horseback.
Key Differences
The spear is a versatile weapon, used for both throwing and close combat. It's typically lighter and balanced for throwing. The lance, in contrast, is heavier and optimized for charging, often used by cavalry.
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Historically, spears were common among infantry units due to their simplicity and effectiveness. Lances gained prominence with mounted knights, symbolizing noble combat.
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Spears generally vary in length and are lighter, making them suitable for a range of soldiers. Lances are longer and heavier, requiring skill and strength, particularly when used on horseback.
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In many cultures, the spear is seen as a fundamental weapon, often associated with hunting and warfare. The lance, however, often holds a more ceremonial or chivalric connotation, linked to medieval knights and jousting.
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Today, spears are seen more in traditional ceremonies or as hunting tools. Lances have mostly a ceremonial role, particularly in historical reenactments and parades.
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Association
Fundamental warfare and hunting tool
Chivalry, ceremonial use
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Spear and Lance Definitions
Spear
A tool resembling a spear, used in fishing.
He used a spear to catch fish in the shallow river.
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Lance
A tool for piercing or cutting, in medical or other contexts.
The surgeon used a lance to perform the delicate procedure.
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Spear
A leading element or person in an activity.
She was the spear of the campaign, leading the charge.
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Lance
A long weapon used by cavalry for charging.
The knight raised his lance as he galloped towards his foe.
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Spear
(Football) To block (an opponent) by ramming with the helmet, in violation of the rules.
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Lance
A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen.
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Spear
(Sports) To jab (an opponent) with the blade of a hockey stick, in violation of the rules.
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Lance
A wooden spear, sometimes hollow, used in jousting or tilting, designed to shatter on impact with the opposing knight’s armour.
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Spear
A long stick with a sharp tip used as a weapon for throwing or thrusting, or anything used to make a thrusting motion.
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Lance
(military) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.
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Lance
(metallurgy) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.
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Lance
(pyrotechnics) One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.
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Spear
(ice hockey) An illegal maneuver using the end of a hockey stick to strike into another hockey player.
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Spear
(wrestling) In professional wrestling, a running tackle in which the wrestler's shoulder is driven into the opponent's midsection.
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Lance
To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.
Seized the due victim, and with fury lanced Her back. Dryden.
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Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Lance
A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen, and often decorated with a small flag; also, a spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.
A braver soldier never couched lance.
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Lance
A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.
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Lance
An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.
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Lance
One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.
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Spear
To penetrate or strike with, or as if with, any long narrow object; to make a thrusting motion that catches an object on the tip of a long device.
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Spear
(gridiron football) To tackle an opponent by ramming into them with one's helmet.
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Lance
To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.
Seized the due victim, and with fury lancedHer back.
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Spear
A long, pointed weapon, used in war and hunting, by thrusting or throwing; a weapon with a long shaft and a sharp head or blade; a lance.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks.
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Lance
A surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions
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Lance
Move quickly, as if by cutting one's way;
Planes lanced towards the shore
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Spear
A sharp-pointed instrument with barbs, used for stabbing fish and other animals.
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Spear
The rod to which the bucket, or plunger, of a pump is attached; a pump rod.
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Lance
A symbol of knighthood or jousting.
In the parade, the actors carried lances to represent medieval knights.
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Lance
A leading or penetrating force in a movement.
Her arguments were the lance of the debate, cutting through opposition.
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Lance
An instrument of piercing critique or insight.
His words acted like a lance, exposing the truth.
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Spear
A long, typically pointed weapon used for thrusting or throwing.
The warrior skillfully threw his spear at the target.
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Spear
An instrument for piercing or capturing.
The biologist used a spear-like device to collect samples.
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Spear
A symbol of power or war.
The chief held a spear as a sign of his authority.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can spears be used for hunting?
Yes, they are often used for hunting due to their versatility.
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What is the historical significance of a lance?
Associated with cavalry and knights, often seen in chivalry and medieval warfare.
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What is a lance?
A long, heavy spear designed for charging, especially by cavalry.
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Why are lances longer and heavier?
To provide momentum and power during cavalry charges.
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What is a spear?
A weapon with a pointed tip, used for thrusting or throwing.
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How were spears used historically?
As versatile weapons for throwing and close combat by infantry.
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Are lances used today?
Mostly in ceremonial roles or historical reenactments.
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Were lances used in jousting?
Yes, they were the primary weapon in jousting tournaments.
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Do spears have cultural significance?
Yes, they are seen as fundamental weapons in many cultures.
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What is the significance of a lance in heraldry?
It represents knightly virtues and medieval heritage.
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What is the typical length of a spear?
It varies, but generally, they are long enough for effective reach and throwing.
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Are spears effective in close combat?
Yes, they are highly effective due to their reach and versatility.
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Can spears be thrown?
Yes, they are designed for both throwing and thrusting.
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Did all knights use lances?
Lances were common among knights, especially in mounted combat.
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How did cavalry use lances effectively?
By leveraging the speed and power of their horses in a charge.
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What materials are spears made from?
Traditionally wood and metal, but modern versions use various materials.
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What differentiates a spear from a javelin?
Javelins are lighter and designed primarily for throwing.
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Is spear fishing still practiced?
Yes, it's a traditional method of fishing in some cultures.
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Do lances have a practical use today?
Beyond ceremonial use, they have limited practical applications.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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