I. ˈglan(t)s verb
( glanced ; glanc·ing )
Etymology: Middle English glencen, glenchen
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1. : to strike a surface obliquely so as to go off at an angle
the bullet glanced off the wall
2.
a. : to make sudden quick movements
dragonflies glancing over the pond
b. : to flash or gleam with quick intermittent rays of light
brooks glancing in the sun
3. : to touch on a subject or refer to it briefly or indirectly
the work glance s at the customs of ancient cultures
4.
a. of the eyes : to move swiftly from one thing to another
b. : to take a quick look at something
glanced at his watch
transitive verb
1. archaic
a. : to take a quick look at
b. : to catch a glimpse of
2. : to give an oblique path of direction to:
a. : to throw or shoot so that the object glances from a surface
b. archaic : to aim (as an innuendo) indirectly : insinuate
• glanc·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1503
1.
a. : a quick intermittent flash or gleam
b. archaic : a sudden quick movement
2.
a. archaic : a rapid oblique movement
b. : a deflected impact or blow
3.
a. : a swift movement of the eyes
b. : a quick or cursory look
4. archaic
a. : a brief satirical reference to something : gibe
b. : allusion
•
- at first glance