6. (Shoemaking) The part of the sole beneath the instep connecting the
broader front part with the heel.
7. (Zoöl.) 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.
Shank"beer` (?), n. See Schenkbeer.
Shanked (?), a. Having a shank.
Shank"er (?), n. (Med.) See Chancre.
Shan"ny (?), n.; pl. Shannies (#). [Etymol. uncertain.] (Zoöl.) The
European smooth blenny (Blennius pholis). It is olive-green with
irregular black spots, and without appendages on the head.