Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

      (b) See under 1st {File}.

   {The ranks}, the order or grade of common soldiers; as, to
      reduce a noncommissioned officer to the ranks.

   {To fill the ranks}, to supply the whole number, or a
      competent number.

   {To take rank of}, to have precedence over, or to have the
      right of taking a higher place than.