Definition Definition

flank - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'flank' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Flank [ n.]
- The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.
- 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.
- 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.
- The side of any building.
- That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
2 . Flank [ v. i.]
- To border; to touch.
- To be posted on the side.
3 . Flank [ v. t.]
- To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon.
- 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.

Meaning of 'flank' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . flank [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the side of military or naval formation
Example in sentence:
  • they attacked the enemy's right flank