rank
rank1 definition
rank (raŋk)
noun
- a row, line, or series
- an orderly arrangement
- a social division or class; stratum of society people from all ranks of life
- a high position in society; high degree; eminence a person of rank
- an official grade or position the rank of captain
- a relative position, usually in a scale classifying persons or things; grade; degree a poet of the first rank
- any of the rows of squares on a chessboard extending from side to side, perpendicular to the files
- Mil.
- a row of soldiers, vehicles, etc. placed side by side, or abreast of one another
- 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
- Music stop ()
Etymology: MFr renc < OFr ranc, renc: see range
transitive verb
- to place in a rank or ranks
- to assign a certain rank, or position, to
- ☆ to have a higher rank than; outrank
intransitive verb
- to hold a certain rank, or position to rank third on a list
- Archaic to form a rank or move in ranks
rank Idioms
pull (one's) 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 definition
rank (raŋk)
adjective
- growing vigorously and coarsely; overly luxuriant rank grass
- producing or covered with a luxuriant crop; extremely fertile
- strong and offensive in smell or taste; rancid
- in bad taste; coarse
- complete; utter rank deceit
- Obsolete in sexual heat
Etymology: ME ranke < OE ranc, strong, proud, akin to MLowG rank, slender, erect, long and thin < IE base *reĝ-, put in order, stretch out > right
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