Shank.
1. (Founding.) A large ladle to contain molten metals; it is managed by a straight bar at one end, and a cross-bar with handles, called the crutch, at the other end, by which it is tipped to pour out the metal. They are made of various sizes, from those handled by two men to those containing several tons, and slung from a crane. Nasmyth, of Manchester, England, has added to the pivot of the large crane-ladle a tangent-screw and worm-wheel, by which it may be gradually tilted by a man standing directly in front and at any convenient distance.
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| Shank. |
2. (Shoemaking.) That part of the shoe which unites the broad sole and the heel; beneath the arch or small of the foot.
3. (Printing.) The body of a type.
4. (Lock.) The stem of a key, between the bow and the bit.
5. (Nautical.) The stem of an anchor, connecting the arms with the stock. See anchor. 6. The straight portion of a hook. 7. The tang of a case-knife or chisel. 8. The part of a nail between the head and the taper of the point.
9. (Tools.) The part of a tool by which it is held or fastened, or to which the handle is attached. 10. The eye on (not through) a button.
11. (Architecture.) The space between two of the channels in the Doric triglyph.
