I. ˈplaŋk, -aiŋk noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English plank, planke, from Old North French planke, from Latin planca; perhaps akin to Greek plak-, plax flat surface, tablet — more at please
1.
a. : a heavy thick board that is technical specifications usually has a thickness of 2 to 4 inches and a width of at least 8 inches — compare timber
b.
(1) : any of various objects made of a plank or planking (as a bench, table, or narrow footbridge)
(2) : gangplank
was to lift plank at four that afternoon — R.P.Warren
c. : planking
d. : a heavy usually oak board that is grooved to catch the drip and is used in cooking and serving food (as broiled meat or fish)
e. : a flat slab of some hard material
asphalt plank
concrete plank
2. : something that supports
the planks of the peace system — Sigmund Neumann
3.
a. : an article in the platform of a political party or group
with temperance and opposition to slavery as the two specific planks in its platform — American Guide Series: Maine
b. : a principal item of a policy or program
a cardinal plank in Britain's patient Far Eastern policy — Benjamin Welles
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English planken, from plank (I)
1. : to cover, floor, or lay with planks
planked the well over — Lucy M. Montgomery
the planked streets fringing the mills and factories — American Guide Series: Washington
no use planking a boat till you got her timbered out — G.W.Brace
2. : to set down : deposit
planked himself in the chair
plank the cash on the counter for a slice of sirloin — Saturday Review
3. : to cook and serve on a plank usually with an elaborate garnish (as of mashed potatoes or other vegetables)
planked shad
planked steak
4. : to extend or place so as to resemble a plank
hitched up his knee and planked a most unlovely boot firmly against the edge of the table — Ngaio Marsh
turned around with his back planked against the wall — H.L.Davis