Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Flank?

\Flank\ (fl[a^][ng]k), n. [F. flanc, prob. fr. L. flaccus flabby, with n inserted. Cf. {Flaccid}, {Flanch}, {Flange}.] 1. The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of {Beef}. 2. (Mil.) (a) The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion; the extreme right or left; as, to attack an enemy in flank is to attack him on the side. When to right and left the front Divided, and to either flank retired. --Milton. (b) (Fort.) That part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet. See Illust. of {Bastion}. 3. (Arch.) The side of any building. --Brands. 4. That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line. {Flank attack} (Mil.), an attack upon the side of an army or body of troops, distinguished from one upon its front or rear. {Flank company} (Mil.), a certain number of troops drawn up on the right or left of a battalion; usually grenadiers, light infantry, or riflemen. {Flank defense} (Fort.), protection of a work against undue exposure to an enemy's direct fire, by means of the fire from other works, sweeping the ground in its front. {Flank en potence} (Mil.), any part of the right or left wing formed at a projecting angle with the line. {Flank files}, the first men on the right, and the last on the left, of a company, battalion, etc. {Flank march}, a march made parallel or obliquely to an enemy's position, in order to turn it or to attack him on the flank. {Flank movement}, a change of march by an army, or portion of one, in order to turn one or both wings of the enemy, or to take up a new position. {Flanks of a frontier}, salient points in a national boundary, strengthened to protect the frontier against hostile incursion. {Flank patrol}, detachments acting independently of the column of an army, but patrolling along its flanks, to secure it against surprise and to observe the movements of the enemy.
\Flank\ (fl[a^][ng]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Flanked} (fl[a^][ng]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Flanking}.] [Cf. F. flanquer. See {Flank}, n., and cf. {Flanker}, v. t.] 1. To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon. Stately colonnades are flanked with trees. --Pitt. 2. To overlook or command the flank of; to secure or guard the flank of; to pass around or turn the flank of; to attack, or threaten to attack; the flank of.
\Flank\, v. i. 1. To border; to touch. --Bp. Butler. 2. To be posted on the side.