Pha"lanx (?), n.; pl. Phalanxes (#), L. Phalanges (#). [L., from Gr.
&?;.] 1. (Gr. Antiq.) A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in ranks
and files close and deep. There were several different arrangements,
the phalanx varying in depth from four to twenty-five or more ranks of
men. "In cubic phalanx firm advanced." Milton.
The Grecian phalanx, moveless as a tower.
Pope.
2. Any body of troops or men formed in close array, or any combination
of people distinguished for firmness and solidity of a union.
At present they formed a united phalanx.
Macaulay.
The sheep recumbent, and the sheep that grazed, All huddling into
phalanx, stood and gazed.
Cowper.