the front part of the leg below the knee; the front edge of the shin bone; the lower part of the leg; the shank.-a fish plate for rails.-to climb a mast, tree, rope, or the like, by embracing it alternately with the arms and legs, without help of steps, spurs, or the like; -- used with up; as, to shin up a mast.-to run about borrowing money hastily and temporarily, as for the payment of one's notes at the bank.-to climb (a pole, etc.) by shinning up.