Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for FLANK
FLANK, n. [Fr. flanc; Sp. and Port. flanco; It. fianco; G. flanke; Sw. and Dan. flank; Gr. λαγων; probably connected with lank, W. llac, Eng. flag, Gr. λαγαρος, and so called from its laxity, or from breadth.]
- The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. Hence,
- The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion. To attack an enemy in flank, is to attack them on the side.
- In fortification, that part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the opposite face, the flank and the curtain; or it is a line drawn from the extremity of the face toward the inside of the work. Harris. Encyc.
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