Glaive vs. Lance — What's the Difference?

A glaive (or glave) is a European polearm, consisting of a single-edged blade on the end of a pole. It is similar to the Japanese naginata, the Chinese guandao and pudao, the Korean woldo, the Russian sovnya, and the Siberian palma.

A lance is a pole weapon designed to be used by a mounted warrior or cavalry soldier (lancer). During the periods of classical and medieval warfare, it evolved into being the leading weapon in cavalry charges, and was unsuited for throwing or for repeated thrusting, unlike similar weapons of the javelin and pike family typically used by infantry.

A sword, especially a broadsword.

A long weapon with a wooden shaft and a pointed steel head, formerly used by a horseman in charging

A light lance with a long, sharp-pointed head.

A metal pipe supplying a jet of oxygen to a furnace or to make a very hot flame for cutting.

(historical) A weapon consisting of a pole with a large blade fixed on the end, the edge of which is on the outside curve.

A rigid tube at the end of a hose for pumping or spraying liquid.

A sword, particularly a broadsword.

Prick or cut open (an abscess or boil) with a lancet or other sharp instrument

A weapon formerly used, consisting of a large blade fixed on the end of a pole, whose edge was on the outside curve; also, a light lance with a long sharp-pointed head.

A thrusting weapon with a long wooden shaft and a sharp metal head.

A sword; - used poetically and loosely.

A similar implement for spearing fish.

A cavalry lancer.

(Medicine) See lancet.

To pierce with a lance.

(Medicine) To make a surgical incision in; cut into

A weapon of war, consisting of a long shaft or handle and a steel blade or head; a spear carried by horsemen.

A wooden spear, sometimes hollow, used in jousting or tilting, designed to shatter on impact with the opposing knight’s armour.

(fishing) A spear or harpoon used by whalers and fishermen.

(military) A soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.

(military) An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.

(metallurgy) A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.

(pyrotechnics) One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.

(medicine) A lancet.

To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.

To open with a lancet; to pierce.

To throw in the manner of a lance; to lanch.

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 soldier armed with a lance; a lancer.

A small iron rod which suspends the core of the mold in casting a shell.

An instrument which conveys the charge of a piece of ordnance and forces it home.

One of the small paper cases filled with combustible composition, which mark the outlines of a figure.

A lancet.

To pierce with a lance, or with any similar weapon.

To open with a lancet; to pierce; as, to lance a vein or an abscess.

To throw in the manner of a lance. See Lanch.

A long pointed rod used as a weapon

An implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish

A surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions

Move quickly, as if by cutting one's way;

Pierce with a lance, as in a knights' fight

Open by piercing with a lancet;