shank: Meaning and Definition of

shank

1. 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
3. the lower limb in humans, including both the leg and the thigh.
4. a cut of meat from the top part of the frontor backleg of an animal. See diag. under
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
9. the straight part of a fishhook away from the bent part or prong. See illus. under
10. crook (def. 8).
11. It was just the shank of the evening when the party began.
1. the early part of a period of time:It was just the shank of the evening when the party began.
2. 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. the body of a type, between the shoulder and the foot. See diag. under
15. 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. the part of a ring that surrounds the finger; hoop.
18. the main or best part of the evening: Don't leave yet--it's just the shank of the evening.

1. 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.

1. to travel on foot. Cf.