- shank
-
/shangk/, n.1. Anat. the part of the lower limb in humans between the knee and the ankle; leg.2. a corresponding or analogous part in certain animals. See diag. under horse.3. the lower limb in humans, including both the leg and the thigh.4. a cut of meat from the top part of the front (foreshank) or back (hind shank) leg of an animal. See diag. under beef.5. a narrow part of various devices, as a tool or bolt, connecting the end by which the object is held or moved with the end that acts upon another object.6. a straight, usually narrow, shaftlike part of various objects connecting two more important or complex parts, as the stem of a pipe.7. a knob, small projection, or end of a device for attaching to another object, as a small knob on the back of a solid button, or the end of a drill for gripping in a shaft.8. the long, straight part of an anchor connecting the crown and the ring. See diag. under anchor.9. the straight part of a fishhook away from the bent part or prong. See illus. under fishhook.10. Music. crook1 (def. 8).11. Informal.a. the early part of a period of time: It was just the shank of the evening when the party began.b. the latter part of a period of time: They didn't get started until the shank of the morning.12. the narrow part of the sole of a shoe, lying beneath the instep.13. shankpiece.14. Print. the body of a type, between the shoulder and the foot. See diag. under type.15. Golf. a shot veering sharply to the right after being hit with the base of a club shaft.16. the part of a phonograph stylus or needle on which the diamond or sapphire tip is mounted.17. Jewelry. the part of a ring that surrounds the finger; hoop.18. shank of the evening, the main or best part of the evening: Don't leave yet - it's just the shank of the evening.v.t.19. Golf. to hit (a golf ball) with the base of the shaft of a club just above the club head, causing the ball to go off sharply to the right.v.i.20. Chiefly Scot. to travel on foot. Cf. shanks' mare.[bef. 900; ME (n.); OE sc(e)anca; c. LG schanke leg, thigh; akin to G Schenkel thigh, Schinken ham]
* * *
Universalium. 2010.