Flank is a word which might mean any of several different things:
A flank is the side of either a horse or a military unit. The parts of a military unit are regularly called the "left flank", "right flank" and "center". The use of these terms came from a time when armies would clash in an open field, but is still used today. Throughout military history, a common tactic has been to try to catch the enemy forces in the flank, see below.
To flank is a verb, meaning to catch someone or something in the side (the flank, see above) or even from behind in order to attack them. The use of attack from an unexpected direction is generally very effective, and severely limits the offensive response possible for the attacked party. Flanking maneuvers (that is, movement in order to flank an enemy) are used on all levels of military tactics, from individual soldier up to army divisions.
Flank can also refer to a region of the posterior torso (lower back) beneath the ribs and above the ilium. Pain in this region is generally associated with kidney infection or calculi (kidney stones). Flank pain might come from an ulcer on the posterior extension of the duodenum or more serious problems, such as increased posterior interabdominal pressure from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Flank, also called flanker can refer to specific positions in the sport of rugby union, and in American football. Flanks form part of the forwards and bind onto the side of the scrum. The two positions are blind-side flank (number 6) and open-side flank (number 7).
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Flank attack (Mil.), an attack upon the side of an army or body of troops, distinguished from one upon its front or rear.
Flank defense (Fort.), protection of a work against undue exposure to an enemy's direct fire, by means of the fire from other works, sweeping the ground in its front.
Flank patrol, detachments acting independently of the column of an army, but patrolling along its flanks, to secure it against surprise and to observe the movements of the enemy.
Flank defense (Fort.), protection of a work against undue exposure to an enemy's direct fire, by means of the fire from other works, sweeping the ground in its front.
Flank files, the first men on the right, and the last on the left, of a company, battalion, etc. Flank march, a march made parallel or obliquely to an enemy's position, in order to turn it or to attack him on the flank.
Flank patrol, detachments acting independently of the column of an army, but patrolling along its flanks, to secure it against surprise and to observe the movements of the enemy.
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