flanker Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a back stationed wide of the scrimmage line; used as a pass receiver
    flanker back.
  2. noun a soldier who is a member of a detachment assigned to guard the flanks of a military formation

WordNet

Flank"er noun
Definitions
  1. One who, or that which, flanks, as a skirmisher or a body of troops sent out upon the flanks of an army toguard a line of march, or a fort projecting so as to command the side of an assailing body.
    They threw out flankers, and endeavored to dislodge their assailants. W. Irwing.
Flank"er transitive verb
Etymology
See Flank, v. t.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Flankered ; present participle & verbal noun Flankering
Definitions
  1. To defend by lateral fortifications. Obs. Sir T. Herbert.
  2. To attack sideways. Obs. Evelyn.

Webster 1913