fer-de-lance

noun

ˈfer-də-ˈlan(t)s 

-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

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, lance iron, spearhead

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above

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"