The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Lancer \Lan"cer\, n. [Cf. F. lancier.]
1. One who lances; one who carries a lance; especially, a
member of a mounted body of men armed with lances,
attached to the cavalry service of some nations.
--Wilhelm.
[1913 Webster]
2. A lancet. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
3. pl. (Dancing) A set of quadrilles of a certain
arrangement. [Written also lanciers.]
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
lancers \lancers\ n.
1. A set of quadrilles for 8 or 16 couples. [WordNet sense 1]
[Written also lanciers.]
[WordNet 1.5]
2. Music appropriate for a set of lancers[1].
[PJC]