flank
- the side of an animal or a person between the ribs and hip.
- the thin piece of flesh constituting this part.
- a slice of meat from the flank of an animal.
- the side of anything, as of a building.
- Military, Navy. the extreme right or left side of an army or fleet, or a subdivision of an army or fleet.
- Fortification.
- the right or left side of a work or fortification.
- the part of a bastion that extends from the curtain to the face and protects the curtain and the opposite face.
- Machinery. (on a screw thread or the like) either of the two vertical inclined surfaces between the crest and the root.
- to stand or be placed or posted at the flank or side of.
- to defend or guard at the flank.
- Military. to menace or attack the flank of.
- to pass around or turn the flank of.
- to occupy a position at the flank or side.
- to present the flank or side.
Origin of flank
Synonyms for flank
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for flanked
surrounded, belted, spin, encircle, surround, abut, flank, adjoin, neighbor, delineate, set, mark, limit, distinguish, establish, restricted, fringed, enclosed, walledExamples from the Web for flanked
Contemporary Examples of flanked
He speaks in a whisper, flanked by the two locals who set up the meeting.
Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, took the stage, flanked by a woman holding a trophy and a medal.
James Franco Shot His New Movie at the Venice Film Festival and I Was in ItMarlow Stern
September 5, 2014
Her sons walked behind her, flanked by their father, the Prince; their grandfather, the Duke; and their uncle, the Earl.
“Technically the campus is a crime scene,” said Garcia, who was flanked by dozens of officers and college officials.
Outside, on the roof, the clock is flanked by more Beaux Arts touches: statues of Hercules, Mercury, and Minerva.
Historical Examples of flanked
The fine gateway of the castle is flanked by two squat towers.
Yorkshire Painted And DescribedGordon Home
It was flanked by a river, upon the opposite bank of which rose a gentle mountain.
Quaint CourtshipsVarious
He was followed by two young women, who flanked him by a pace or so to the rear.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
For days and days they flanked the safari before venturing to approach.
The Leopard WomanStewart Edward White
Once over this and into the guard-house, and we can never be flanked, whatever else betide.
In the ValleyHarold Frederic
flank
- the side of a man or animal between the ribs and the hip
- (loosely) the outer part of the human thigh
- a cut of beef from the flank
- the side of anything, such as a mountain or building
- the side of a naval or military formation
- (when intr, often foll by on or upon) to be located at the side of (an object, building, etc)
- military to position or guard on or beside the flank of (a formation, etc)
- military to move past or go round (a flank)
Word Origin for flank
Word Origin and History for flanked
flank
late Old English flanc "fleshy part of the side," from Old French flanc, probably from Frankish *hlanca (cf. Old High German (h)lanca, Middle High German lanke "hip joint," German lenken "to bend, turn, lead"), from PIE root *kleng- "to bend, turn" (see link (n.)). The military sense is first attested 1540s, as is the verb. Related: Flanked; flanking.
flank
(flăngk)- The side of the body between the pelvis or hip and the last rib; the side.
- The section of flesh in that area.