Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shank \Shank\, n. [OE. shanke, schanke, schonke, AS. scanca,
   sceanca, sconca, sceonca; akin to D. schonk a bone, G.
   schenkel thigh, shank, schinken ham, OHG. scincha shank, Dan.
   & Sw. skank. [root]161. Cf. {Skink}, v.]
   1. The part of the leg from the knee to the foot; the shin;
      the shin bone; also, the whole leg.

            His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For
            his shrunk shank.                     --Shak.

   2. Hence, that part of an instrument, tool, or other thing,
      which connects the acting part with a handle or other
      part, by which it is held or moved. Specifically:
      (a) That part of a key which is between the bow and the
          part which enters the wards of the lock.
      (b) The middle part of an anchor, or that part which is
          between the ring and the arms. See Illustr. of
          {Anchor}.
      (c) That part of a hoe, rake, knife, or the like, by which
          it is secured to a handle.
      (d) A loop forming an eye to a button.

   3. (Arch.) The space between two channels of the Doric
      triglyph. --Gwilt.

   4. (Founding) A large ladle for molten metal, fitted with
      long bars for handling it.

   5. (Print.) The body of a type.

   6. (Shoemaking) The part of the sole beneath the instep
      connecting the broader front part with the heel.

   7. (Zo["o]l.) 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.