flank en potence

1 definition found

flank en potence - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Flank \Flank\ (fl[a^][ng]k), n. [F. flanc, prob. fr. L. flaccus
     flabby, with n inserted. Cf. Flaccid, Flanch, Flange.]
     1. The fleshy or muscular part of the side of an animal,
        between the ribs and the hip. See Illust. of Beef.
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     2. (Mil.)
        (a) 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.
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                  When to right and left the front
  
                  Divided, and to either flank retired. --Milton.
        (b) (Fort.) 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. See Illust. of Bastion.
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     3. (Arch.) The side of any building. --Brands.
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     4. That part of the acting surface of a gear wheel tooth that
        lies within the pitch line.
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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 company (Mil.), a certain number of troops drawn up
        on the right or left of a battalion; usually grenadiers,
        light infantry, or riflemen.
  
     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 en potence (Mil.), any part of the right or left wing
        formed at a projecting angle with the line.
  
     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 movement, a change of march by an army, or portion of
        one, in order to turn one or both wings of the enemy, or
        to take up a new position.
  
     Flanks of a frontier, salient points in a national
        boundary, strengthened to protect the frontier against
        hostile incursion.
  
     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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