rank

rank

rank¹ [raŋk]

n.

[MFr renc < OFr ranc, renc: see RANGE]

1. a row, line, or series

2. an orderly arrangement

3. a social division or class; stratum of society [people from all ranks of life]

4. a high position in society; high degree; eminence [a person of rank]

5. an official grade or position [the rank of captain]

6. a relative position, usually in a scale classifying persons or things; grade; degree [a poet of the first rank]

7. any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from side to side, perpendicular to the files

8. Mil.

a) a row of soldiers, vehicles, etc. placed side by side, or abreast of one another: cf. FILE¹ n. 3

b) [pl.] the body of soldiers of an army, as distinguished from the officers [to rise from the ranks]: often used metaphorically to refer to the ordinary members of any group, as opposed to its leaders

9. Music STOP (n. 9a)

vt.

1. to place in a rank or ranks

2. to assign a certain rank, or position, to

☆ 3. to have a higher rank than; outrank

vi.

1. to hold a certain rank, or position [to rank third on a list]

2. Archaic to form a rank or move in ranks

——————

☆ pull one's rank on or pull rank on

Slang to take advantage of one's military rank in enforcing commands or one's high position or seniority in making demands on (a subordinate)

rank² [raŋk]

adj.

[ME ranke < OE ranc, strong, proud, akin to MLowG rank, slender, erect, long and thin < IE base * reĝ-, put in order, stretch out > RIGHT]

1. growing vigorously and coarsely; overly luxuriant [rank grass]

2. producing or covered with a luxuriant crop; extremely fertile

3. strong and offensive in smell or taste; rancid

4. in bad taste; coarse

5. complete; utter [rank deceit]

6. Obs. in sexual heat

rankly

adv.

rankness

n.