fer-de-lance

noun

ˈfer-də-ˈlan(t)s How to pronounce fer-de-lance (audio)
-ˈlän(t)s
plural fer-de-lance
: a large extremely venomous pit viper (Bothrops atrox) of Central and South America

Illustration of fer-de-lance

Illustration of fer-de-lance

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lance iron, spearhead

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fer-de-lance was in 1880

Dictionary Entries Near fer-de-lance

Cite this Entry

“Fer-de-lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fer-de-lance. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

fer-de-lance

noun
ˌferd-ᵊl-ˈan(t)s,
-ˈän(t)s
plural fer-de-lance
: a large extremely poisonous pit viper of Central and South America
Etymology

from French fer-de-lance, literally, "iron (point) of a lance"

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