flanker

[ flang-ker ]

noun

1. a person or thing that flanks.
2. Military. one of a body of soldiers placed on the flank of an army to guard a line of march.
3. Fortification. a fortification projecting so as to defend another work or to command the flank of an assailing body.
4. Football.
   1. Also called flankerback. an offensive back who lines up outside of an end.
   2. split end.

flanker

/ ˈflæŋkə /

noun

1. one of a detachment of soldiers detailed to guard the flanks, esp of a formation
2. a projecting fortification, used esp to protect or threaten a flank
3. rugby a wing forward

Word History and Origins

Origin of flanker¹

First recorded in 1540–50; flank + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Ritchie is the only change in the forward pack from the defeat by South Africa two weeks ago, with the Edinburgh flanker starting at blindside and Fagerson shifting to number eight in place of the injured Jack Dempsey.

From BBC

In total, Australia coach Joe Schmidt has made six changes to the side which won by a record score in Cardiff, with Jake Gordon coming back in at scrum-half for Nic White and Carlo Tizzano replacing Fraser McReight at openside flanker.

From BBC

Izuchukwu, 24, is named at blind-side flanker with Tadhg Beirne moving into the second row, while 21-year-old Leinster front row McCarthy replaces Ronan Kelleher.

From BBC

New Zealand flanker Dalton Papali'i had just picked off his pass and cantered in to give New Zealand a seven-point head start.

From BBC

Smith, attempting to clear the mess and his line, fired his own kick straight into Du Toit and the South Africa flanker gratefully dropped on the ball for his side's second score and a 12-10 lead.

From BBC