One who, or that which, flanks, as a skirmisher or a body of troops sent out upon the flanks of an army toguard a line of march, or a fort projecting so as to command the side of an assailing body. [1913 Webster]
, v. t. Array
To defend by lateral fortifications. Sir T. Herbert. [1913 Webster]
, n.
1 Mil. a fortification guarding or menacing the flank.
2 anything that flanks another thing.
3 (in Rugby and American Football) a flank forward.
4 sl. a trick; a swindle (pulled a flanker).