see chank.-the part of the leg from the knee to the foot; the shin; the shin bone; also, the whole leg.-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.-that part of a key which is between the bow and the part which enters the wards of the lock.-the middle part of an anchor, or that part which is between the ring and the arms.-that part of a hoe, rake, knife, or the like, by which it is secured to a handle.-a loop forming an eye to a button.-the space between two channels of the doric triglyph.-a large ladle for molten metal, fitted with long bars for handling it.-the body of a type.-the part of the sole beneath the instep connecting the broader front part with the heel.-a wading bird with long legs; as, the green-legged shank, or knot; the yellow shank, or tattler; -- called also shanks.-flat-nosed pliers, used by opticians for nipping off the edges of pieces of glass to make them round.-to fall off, as a leaf, flower, or capsule, on account of disease affecting the supporting footstalk; -- usually followed by off.