Definition of: flank

(flangk) noun
1. The hinder part of an animal's side, between the ribs and the hip. See illustration under HORSE.
2. Entomol. The side of an insect's thorax; the pleura.
3. The side, or the lateral portion or anything, especially of a military or naval force, or of a marching column.
4. That part of a bastion between the curtain and the face, or any part of a fortification that defends another work by a fire along its face; also, the lateral part of a fortification. See illustration under BASTION.
—by the right or left flank A drill command preparatory to the marching maneuver in which every marcher makes a 90–degree turn to the right or left.
—v.t.
1. To stand or be on one or both sides of.
2. Mil. a To get around and in back of (an enemy position or unit); turn the flank of. b To attack or threaten the flank of. c To guard the flank of (a friendly position or unit).
—adjective
1. Pertaining to the flank or side.
2. Cut from the side, or situated at the side: a flank steak.
3. Coming from or toward the side: a flank attack. [<F flanc <Gmc.]