flank Definition

flank
noun

1a. The side of an animal, between the ribs and hip;

Thesaurus: side, loin, thigh, haunch, ham, hip.
1b. The corresponding part of the human body.
2. A cut of beef from the flank, consisting of the abdominal muscles.
3. The side of anything, eg a mountain, building, etc.

Thesaurus: side, wing, edge.
4. Said of a body of things, especially of troops or a fleet drawn up in formation: the left or right extremities of that formation, eg a line of soldiers.

verb flanked, flanking

1a. To be on the edge of (an object, a body of things, etc);
1b. To move around the sides of a body of things.
2a. military.
To guard on or beside the flank of a formation;
2b. military.
To move into a position in the flanks or beside the flanks of a formation.

Etymology: 12c: from French flanc, of Germanic origin.