1. A term used by recent writers denoting one of those military adventurers, often of knightly rank, who in the Middle Ages offered their services as mercenaries, or with a view to plunder, to belligerent states; a ‘condottiere,’ a ‘free companion.’
1820. Scott, Ivanhoe, xxxiv. I offered Richard the service of my Free Lances, and he refused them.
1855. Miss Yonge, Lances of Lynwood, vi. (1864), 95. He heard my tale, saw me a strong, spirited lad, and knew a d’Aubricour would be no discredit to his free lances.
1877. Mrs. Oliphant, Makers Flor., iii. 77. No longer ruler of anything except those rude German free-lances, ever ready to sell themselves to the highest bidder.
2. fig. Applied esp. to a politician or controversialist who owns no fixed party allegiance, but from time to time assails one party or the other in a capricious or arbitrary manner; also, to one who in any department of speculation or practice follows the methods of no particular school.
1864. Standard, 16 April. They may be Free Lances in Parliament so long as the guerilla career suits them.
1883. S. C. Hall, Retrospect, II. 135. In 1835, or thereabouts, he [Frank Mahoney] took up his residence in London, and soon became closely associated with the band of literary freelances that for some years made Fraser’s Magazine a name of terror.
1889. Jessopp, Coming of Friars, v. 216. They [the Friars] were free lances with whom the bishops had little to do.
