Etymology Map
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Flank

3 stages from Frankish to English.

Today it means the side of a body or army

Where does the word "flank" come from? It comes from Frankish hlanka, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
hlanka
Frankish · ancient
"side, hip"
a Frankish word related to 'lank'
2
Stage 2 of 3
flanc
Old French · medieval
"side"
the side of the body or army
3
Stage 3 of 3
flank
English · 1100s
"side"
'to outflank' dates from the 1700s
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Read the full story

Flank’s story begins in Frankish: hlanka meant “side, hip.” A Frankish word related to 'lank'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as flanc. The side of the body or army. It reached English by 1100s as flank. 'to outflank' dates from the 1700s. Today, flank means the side of a body or army.