or Flanc, in the manage, is applied to the sides of a horse's buttocks, &c. In a strict sense, the flanks of a horse are the extremes of the belly, where the ribs are wanting, and are below the loins.

The flanks of a horse should be full, and at the top of each feather. The distance between the last rib and haunch-bone, which is properly the flank, should be short, which they term well coupled, such horses being most hardy, and fit to endure labour.

A horse is said to have no flank if the last of the short ribs be at a considerable distance from the haunch-bone; as also when his ribs are too much straightened in their compass.

war, is used by way of analogy for the side of a battalion, army, &c. in contradistinction to the front and rear.

To attack the enemy in flank, is to discover and fire upon them on one side. See File.

fortification, is a line drawn from the extremity of the face towards the inside of the work.

Or, flank is that part of a battery which reaches from the curtain to the face, and defends the opposite face, the flank, and the curtain. See Fortification.