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]