Definition of Rank and file. Meaning of Rank and file. Synonyms of Rank and file
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Definition of Rank and file
Rank and file Rank Rank, n. [OE. renk, reng, OF. renc, F. rang, fr. OHG.
hring a circle, a circular row, G. ring. See Ring, and cf.
Range, n. & v.]
1. A row or line; a range; an order; a tier; as, a rank of
osiers.
Many a mountain nigh Rising in lofty ranks, and
loftier still. --Byron.
2. (Mil.) A line of soldiers ranged side by side; -- opposed
to file. See 1st File, 1
(a) .
Fierce, fiery warriors fought upon the clouds,
In ranks and squadrons and right form of war.
--Shak.
3. Grade of official standing, as in the army, navy, or
nobility; as, the rank of general; the rank of admiral.
4. An aggregate of individuals classed together; a permanent
social class; an order; a division; as, ranks and orders
of men; the highest and the lowest ranks of men, or of
other intelligent beings.
5. Degree of dignity, eminence, or excellence; position in
civil or social life; station; degree; grade; as, a writer
of the first rank; a lawyer of high rank.
These all are virtues of a meaner rank. --Addison.
6. Elevated grade or standing; high degree; high social
position; distinction; eminence; as, a man of rank.
Rank and file.
(a) (Mil.) The whole body of common soldiers, including
also corporals. In a more extended sense, it includes
sergeants also, excepting the noncommissioned staff.
Rank and file 2. Course of thought; thread of narration. [Obs.]
Let me resume the file of my narration. --Sir H.
Wotton.
File firing, the act of firing by file, or each file
independently of others.
File leader, the soldier at the front of any file, who
covers and leads those in rear of him.
File marching, the marching of a line two deep, when faced
to the right or left, so that the front and rear rank
march side by side. --Brande & C.
Indian file, or Single file, a line of men marching one
behind another; a single row.
On file, preserved in an orderly collection.
Rank and file.
(a) The body of soldiers constituing the mass of an army,
including corporals and privates. --Wilhelm.
(b) Those who constitute the bulk or working members of a
party, society, etc., in distinction from the leaders.
