~ 1
■ verb
1》 set (a boat or ship) afloat, especially by sliding it into the water.
2》 send (a rocket, missile, etc.) on its course.
↘hurl forcefully.
↘( ~ into ) begin (something) energetically and enthusiastically.
3》 begin (an enterprise) or introduce (a new product).
■ noun an act or instance of ~ing something.
Origin
ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr. ~er , var. of OFr. lancier (see lance ).
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a large motorboat.
2》 historical the largest boat carried on a man-of-war.
Origin
C17: from Sp. lancha 'pinnace', perh. from Malay lancharan , from lanchar 'swift, nimble'.