\Shank\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
See {Chank}.

\Shank\, n. [OE. shanke, schanke, schonke, AS. scanca,
sceanca, sconca, sceonca; akin to D. schonk a bone, G.
schenkel thigh, shank, schinken ham, OHG. scincha shank, Dan.
& Sw. skank. [root]161. Cf. {Skink}, v.]
1. The part of the leg from the knee to the foot; the shin;
   the shin bone; also, the whole leg.
         His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For
         his shrunk shank.                     --Shak.
2. Hence, that part of an instrument, tool, or other thing,
   which connects the acting part with a handle or other
   part, by which it is held or moved. Specifically:
   (a) That part of a key which is between the bow and the
       part which enters the wards of the lock.
   (b) The middle part of an anchor, or that part which is
       between the ring and the arms. See Illustr. of
       {Anchor}.
   (c) That part of a hoe, rake, knife, or the like, by which
       it is secured to a handle.
   (d) A loop forming an eye to a button.
3. (Arch.) The space between two channels of the Doric
   triglyph. --Gwilt.
4. (Founding) A large ladle for molten metal, fitted with
   long bars for handling it.
5. (Print.) The body of a type.
6. (Shoemaking) The part of the sole beneath the instep
   connecting the broader front part with the heel.
7. (Zo["o]l.) A wading bird with long legs; as, the
   green-legged shank, or knot; the yellow shank, or tattler;
   -- called also {shanks}.
8. pl. Flat-nosed pliers, used by opticians for nipping off
   the edges of pieces of glass to make them round.
{Shank painter} (Naut.), a short rope or chain which holds
   the shank of an anchor against the side of a vessel when
   it is secured for a voyage.
{To ride shank's mare}, to go on foot; to walk.

\Shank\, v. i.
To fall off, as a leaf, flower, or capsule, on account of
disease affecting the supporting footstalk; -- usually
followed by off. --Darwin.