[flank] n [ME, fr. OF flanc, of Gmc origin; akin to OHG hlanca loin, flank--more at lank] (bef. 12c) 1 a: the fleshy part of the side between the ribs and the hip; broadly: the side of a quadruped b: a cut of meat from this part of an animal--see beef illustration
2. a: side b: the right or left of a formation
3: the area along either side of a heraldic shield
[2]flank vt (1596) 1: to protect a flank of
2: to attack or threaten the flank of (as a body of troops) 3 a: to be situated at the side of; esp: to be situated on both sides of "a road ~ed with linden trees" b: to place something on each side of