n. 1 a the leg. b the lower part of the leg; the leg from knee to ankle. c the shin-bone. 2 the lower part of an animal's foreleg, esp. as a cut of meat. 3 a shaft or stem. 4 a the long narrow part of a tool etc. joining the handle to the working end. b the stem of a key, spoon, anchor, etc. c the straight part of a nail or fish-hook. 5 the narrow middle of the sole of a shoe. shanks's mare (or pony) one's own legs as a means of conveyance. shanked adj. (also in comb.).
[ OE sceanca f. WG ]