rank and file Hear it!

rank and file definition

rank and file

  1. the body of soldiers of an army, as distinguished from the officers
  2. the common people, as distinguished from leaders or officials; specif., the ordinary members of a labor union, political party, etc., as opposed to its leaders

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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