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. [1913 Webster]

Many a mountain nigh Rising in lofty ranks, and loftier still. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

2. (Mil.) A line of soldiers ranged side by side; -- opposed to file. See 1st {File}, 1 (a) . [1913 Webster]

Fierce, fiery warriors fought upon the clouds, In ranks and squadrons and right form of war. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. Grade of official standing, as in the army, navy, or nobility; as, the rank of general; the rank of admiral. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

These all are virtues of a meaner rank. --Addison. [1913 Webster]

6. Elevated grade or standing; high degree; high social position; distinction; eminence; as, a man of rank. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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Synonyms:
, (including corporals)


Look at other dictionaries:

  • rank and file — ˌrank and ˈfile noun the rank and file the ordinary members of a union, who are not union officials: • So far, leaders are maintaining discipline among the rank and file. rank and file adjective [only before a noun] : • rank and file union… …   Financial and business terms

  • rank-and-file — ˌrank and ˈfile noun the rank and file the ordinary members of a union, who are not union officials: • So far, leaders are maintaining discipline among the rank and file. rank and file adjective [only before a noun] : • rank and file union… …   Financial and business terms

  • rank and file — {n. phr.} Ordinary people; the regular membership of an organization; the enlisted privates in the Army. * /The general usually inspects the rank and file on specific national holidays./ * /The secretary of the association sends letters annually… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • rank and file — {n. phr.} Ordinary people; the regular membership of an organization; the enlisted privates in the Army. * /The general usually inspects the rank and file on specific national holidays./ * /The secretary of the association sends letters annually… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • Rank and file — File File (f[imac]l), n. [F. file row (cf. Pr., Sp., Pg., & It. fila), LL. fila, fr. L. filum a thread. Cf. {Enfilade}, {Filament}, {Fillet}.] 1. An orderly succession; a line; a row; as: (a) (Mil.) A row of soldiers ranged one behind another; in …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Rank and File — Жанр альт кантри каупанк пост панк новая волна Годы 1981 1987 …   Википедия

  • rank and file — n the rank and file the ordinary members of an organization rather than the leaders ▪ The rank and file of the party had lost confidence in the leadership. >rank and file adj [only before noun] ▪ the rank and file members of the trade union …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • rank-and-file — adjective rank and file members of the party Thesaurus: general words used to describe rank and statushyponym from an upper class familysynonym Main entry: rank and file …   Useful english dictionary

  • rank´-and-file´ — rank and file, 1. a) common soldiers, not officers, especially those with the rank of corporal or below; ranks. b) the people in a business, labor union, political party, or other institution or group, who are not a part of the management. »Labor …   Useful english dictionary

  • rank and file — rank′ and file′ n. 1) cvb the members of any organization, esp. a union, apart from its leaders or officers 2) cvb mil rank I, 6), a) • Etymology: 1590–1600 rank′ and file′, adj. rank′ and fil′er, n …   From formal English to slang

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