plural nances
1
slang, offensive : an effeminate male
used as a term of abuse and disparagement
2
slang, offensive : a gay person
especially : a gay man
used as a term of abuse and disparagement

Word History

Etymology

short for nancy, from the name Nancy

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nance was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near nance

Cite this Entry

“Nance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nance. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!