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.
Phrases and idioms:
shanks's mare (or pony) one's own legs as a means of conveyance.
Derivatives:
shanked adj. (also in comb.).
Etymology: OE sceanca f. WG