shank (sh ngk)n. 1. a. The part of the human leg between the knee and ankle. b. A corresponding part in other vertebrates. 2. a. The whole leg of a human. b. A leg or leglike part. 3. A cut of meat from the leg of a steer, calf, sheep, or lamb. 4. The long narrow part of a nail or pin. 5. A stem, stalk, or similar part. 6. Nautical The stem of an anchor. 7. The long shaft of a fishhook. 8. The part of a tobacco pipe between the bowl and stem. 9. The shaft of a key. 10. The narrow section of the handle of a spoon. 11. Printing The section of a body of type between the shoulder and the foot. 12. a. The narrow part of the sole of a shoe under the instep. b. A piece of material, such as metal, that is used to reinforce or shape this part of a shoe. 13. A projection, such as a ring, on the back of a button by which it is sewn to cloth. 14. a. See tang1. b. The part of a tool, such as a drill, that connects the functioning head to the handle. 15. a. The latter or remaining part, especially of a period of time. b. The early or primary part of a period of time: the shank of the evening. tr.v. shanked, shank·ing, shanks Sports To hit (a golf ball) with the heel of the club, causing the ball to veer in the wrong direction. [Middle English shanke, from Old English sceanca.] shanked adj. |
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