Flanker definitions

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

FLANK'ER, n. A fortification projecting so as to command the side of an assailing body.
FLANK'ER, v.t.
1. To defend by lateral fortifications.
2. To attack sideways.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a back stationed wide of the scrimmage line; used as a pass receiver [syn: flanker back, flanker]
2: a soldier who is a member of a detachment assigned to guard the flanks of a military formation

Merriam Webster's

noun Date: 1940 a football player stationed wide of the formation slightly behind the line of scrimmage as a pass receiver — called also flanker back

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. 1 Mil. a fortification guarding or menacing the flank. 2 anything that flanks another thing. 3 (in Rugby and American Football) a flank forward. 4 sl. a trick; a swindle (pulled a flanker).

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Flanker Flank"er, n. 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.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Flanker Flank"er, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Flankered; p. pr. & vb. n. Flankering.] [See Flank, v. t.] 1. To defend by lateral fortifications. [Obs.] --Sir T. Herbert. 2. To attack sideways. [Obs.] --Evelyn.