Also 6 lancelette, launcelet, -lot, 9 lancelot. [f. LANCE sb.1 + -LET.]

1

  † 1.  A lancet. Obs.

2

1573.  Baret, Alv., L 77. A Lancelette or like instrument, scalprum chirurgicum.

3

1589.  Rider, Eng.-Lat. Dict., s.v. Launce, A Launcelot to cut wounds, smilium.

4

1593.  G. Harvey, New Letter, 12. Pierces Supererogation … is lest beholding to the penknife: Nashes S. Fame hath somewhat more of the launcelet.

5

1656.  Blount, Glossogr., Launcelot, or Lancelot.

6

  2.  Zool. A small fish-like animal; = AMPHIOXUS.

7

1836.  Yarrell, Brit. Fishes, II. 468. The Lancelet, Amphioxus lanceolatus.

8

1846.  Carpenter, Physiol., 382. The Amphioxus or Lancelot.

9

1847–9.  Todd, Cycl. Anat., IV. 450/2. In the … lancelet the only vestige of a distinct hepatic organ is a large cœcum.

10

1859.  Darwin, Orig. Spec., iv. (1873), 99. Members of the shark family would not tend to supplant the lancelet.

11