Flank Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of FLANK

[count]

1

:

the area on the side of an animal (such as a horse) between the ribs and the hip

• She gently patted the horse's flank.

— see picture at horse

2

:

the right or left side of a military formation

• They attacked the enemy on both flanks.

3

:

the side of something

• the eastern flank of a volcano

Britannica Dictionary definition of FLANK

[+ object]

:

to be located on both sides of (something or someone)

• Guards flanked the entrance.

— usually used as (be) flanked

• The bed was flanked by two small tables.
• a celebrity flanked by muscular bodyguards

— see also outflank