flanker

/ˈflæŋkər/
noun
  1. In sports, especially rugby or American football, a player positioned on the outer edge of the formation, often responsible for running with the ball or covering the sidelines.
    • Our team's flanker scored two tries in the rugby match.
    • The coach told the flanker to stay wide and look for an opening.
    • The flanker sprinted down the sideline to catch the pass.
  2. A person or thing that flanks or is positioned on the side of something, especially in a military or strategic context.
    • In the battle formation, each flanker protected the main unit.
    • The general sent a flanker to attack the enemy from the side.
    • The flanker moved quietly through the woods to surprise the camp.
Synonyms
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