in Grecian antiquity, a square battalion of soldiers, with their shields joined and pikes crossing each other; so that it was next to impossible to break it.

The Macedonian phalanx is supposed by some to have had the advantage in valour and strength, over the Roman legion. Its number was 8000 men. But the word phalanx is used for a party of 28, and several other numbers; and even sometimes for the whole body of foot. See Legion.

Phalanx is applied, by anatomists, to the three rows of small bones which form the fingers. See Anatomy Index.