Meanings
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1
noun
a soldier or unit positioned to guard, attack, or operate on the side of a military formation
Two flankers rode beside the column to watch for an ambush.
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2
noun
a rugby union forward who plays at either side of the back row of the scrum
The flanker broke quickly from the scrum and tackled the opposing fly-half.
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3
noun
in American football, a receiver positioned wide and slightly behind the line of scrimmage
The flanker went in motion before the snap.
Thesaurus
Etymology
Formed from flank + the agent suffix -er. The military term names someone positioned on a formation's flank; rugby and American-football senses likewise refer to players assigned to a side position.