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

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.

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

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The British and Irish Lions flanker was injured while scoring Wales' third try, and watched the closing moments of a heavy defeat from the bench with his left arm in a sling.

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Wales centre Ben Thomas was shown a costly a first-half yellow card for kicking out at Argentina flanker Pablo Matera and can count himself lucky not to have been shown red for the reckless act.

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Tandy was a no-nonsense flanker during his playing days and the former Scotland and British and Irish Lions defence coach has made a positive impression in his first few weeks in charge.

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