flanker

American  

[flang-ker] / ˈflæŋ kər /

noun

1. a person or thing that flanks.

2. Military. one of a body of soldiers placed on the flank of an army to guard a line of march.

3. Fortification. a fortification projecting so as to defend another work or to command the flank of an assailing body.

4. Football.

   1. Also called flankerback.  an offensive back who lines up outside of an end.

   2. split end.

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flanker British  

/ ˈflæŋkə /

noun

1. one of a detachment of soldiers detailed to guard the flanks, esp of a formation

2. a projecting fortification, used esp to protect or threaten a flank

3. rugby a wing forward

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Etymology

Origin of flanker

First recorded in 1540–50; flank + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The confirmation of Lions flanker Jac Morgan and fellow Wales captain Dewi Lake leaving the Ospreys for Gloucester is another blow for the game in Wales that has taken a battering of late.

From BBC

The other talking point in the first half surrounded England flanker Curry.

From BBC

The 25-year-old flanker has undergone surgery, with Ospreys head coach Mark Jones saying the British and Irish Lion now faces "four to five months" on the sidelines.

From BBC

In New Zealand's final Test of the year, only captain Scott Barrett, flanker Simon Parker and Will Jordan, who switches from full-back to wing, keep their places from the team defeated at Twickenham.

From BBC

Some feel Ben Thomas was fortunate to avoid suspension after kicking out when held off the ball by Argentina flanker Pablo Matera last Sunday.

From BBC