Definitions for the word "flank" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal, between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The side of any building.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that lies within the pitch line.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. t.
To stand at the flank or side of; to border upon.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. i.
To border; to touch.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. i.
To be posted on the side.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
1 side of the body between ribs and hip. 2 side of a mountain, building, etc. 3 right or left side of an army etc. v. (often in passive) be at or move along the side of (road flanked by mountains). [french from germanic]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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