Definition of shank

• n. - See Chank.
• v. - The part of the leg from the knee to the foot; the shin; the shin bone; also, the whole leg.
• v. - Hence, that part of an instrument, tool, or other thing, which connects the acting part with a handle or other part, by which it is held or moved.
• v. - That part of a key which is between the bow and the part which enters the wards of the lock.
• v. - The middle part of an anchor, or that part which is between the ring and the arms.
• v. - That part of a hoe, rake, knife, or the like, by which it is secured to a handle.
• v. - A loop forming an eye to a button.
• v. - The space between two channels of the Doric triglyph.
• v. - A large ladle for molten metal, fitted with long bars for handling it.
• v. - The body of a type.
• v. - The part of the sole beneath the instep connecting the broader front part with the heel.
• v. - A wading bird with long legs; as, the green-legged shank, or knot; the yellow shank, or tattler; -- called also shanks.
• v. - Flat-nosed pliers, used by opticians for nipping off the edges of pieces of glass to make them round.
• v. i. - To fall off, as a leaf, flower, or capsule, on account of disease affecting the supporting footstalk; -- usually followed by off.