flanker

[flang-ker]

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.

flanker

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flanker¹

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

Example Sentences

Moody had a distinguished rugby union career - playing an integral role at flanker and coming off the bench to help England win the 2003 World Cup in Australia.

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The 28-year-old, who is named at blind-slide flanker, has not played since the opening game of the tournament against the United States on 22 August because of a knee injury sustained in that match.

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Her first cap came earlier this year with her impact instant as she started at open-side flanker in a 79-14 thrashing of the United States.

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Packer, the 111-cap flanker, has not played since being sent off in the emphatic World Cup warm-up win over Spain, where she again captained the side in Aldcroft's absence.

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Fisher retired as an England player four years ago after a career mainly spent as a flanker that spanned more than a decade and also included a cameo in bobsleigh.

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