Flank

flangk, n. the side of an animal from the ribs to the thigh: the side or wing of anything, esp. of an army or fleet: a body of soldiers on the right and left extremities.— v.t. to attack or pa round the side of: to protect the flanks of one's own army by detached bodies of troops, or field-works, or to threaten those of the enemy by directing troops against them.— v.i. to be posted on the side: to touch.— n. Flank′er , a fortification which commands the flank of an a ailing force.— v.t. ( obs. ) to defend by flankers: to attack sideways.— Flank company , the company on the right or left when a battalion is in line; Flank files , the soldiers marching on the extreme right and left of a company, . [Fr. flanc , perh. L. flaccus , flabby.]