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Flank Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

Britannica Dictionary definition of FLANK

[count]

:

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

:

the right or left side of a military formation

  • They attacked the enemy on both flanks.

:

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