Maximum (of speed). Historically faster than full speed (the most a vessel can sustain without excessive engine wear or risk of damage), now frequently used interchangeably. Typically used in an emergency or during an attack (All ahead flank!)
Cautiously I approached the flank of the cliffs, where they terminated in an abrupt escarpment as though some all powerful hand had broken off a great section of rock and set it upon the surface of the earth.
The side of an army, or of any division of an army, as of a brigade, regiment, or battalion; the extreme right or left; as, to attack an enemy in flank is to attack him on the side
To overlook or command the flank of; to secure or guard the flank of; to pass around or turn the flank of; to attack, or threaten to attack; the flank of
A flank of an army or navy force is one side of it when it is organized for battle. The assault element, led by Captain Ramirez, opened up from their right flank
If something is flanked by things, it has them on both sides of it, or sometimes on one side of it. The altar was flanked by two Christmas trees Bookcases flank the bed. to be on both sides of someone or something
The area to the right and left of a formed unit between its front and rear is its flank Fire and melee bonuses are given to units that attack an enemy unit's flank
A combat maneuver that grants a bonus to melee attack rolls based on relative positioning If a defender is directly between two attackers, both of whom threaten that defenders space, then the attackers flank the defender In such a case, each attacker gains a +2 flanking bonus to attack rolls A rogue in a flanking position can also sneak attack the target
the side between ribs and hipbone a cut from the fleshy part of an animal's side between the ribs and the leg the side of military or naval formation; "they attacked the enemy's right flank"
That part of a bastion which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the curtain, the flank and face of the opposite bastion; any part of a work defending another by a fire along the outside of its parapet
The right or left extremity of a unit; the element on the extreme right or left of the line; a direction at right angles to the direction a unit is facing
Nautical: Maximum (of speed). Historically faster than full speed (the most a vessel can sustain without excessive engine wear or risk of damage), now frequently used interchangeably. Typically used in an emergency or during an attack (All ahead flank!)
[ 'fla[ng]k ] (noun.) before 12th century. Middle English, from Old French flanc, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German hlanca loin, flank; more at LANK.