from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Phalanx \Pha"lanx\, n.; pl. {Phalanxes}, L. {Phalanges}. [L.,
from Gr. fa`lagx.]
1. (Gr. Antiq.) A body of heavy-armed infantry formed in
ranks and files close and deep. There were several
different arrangements, the phalanx varying in depth from
four to twenty-five or more ranks of men. "In cubic
phalanx firm advanced." --Milton.
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The Grecian phalanx, moveless as a tower. --Pope.
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2. Any body of troops or men formed in close array, or any
combination of people distinguished for firmness and
solidity of a union.
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At present they formed a united phalanx. --Macaulay.
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The sheep recumbent, and the sheep that grazed,
All huddling into phalanx, stood and gazed.
--Cowper.
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3. A Fourierite community; a phalanstery.
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4. (Anat.) One of the digital bones of the hand or foot,
beyond the metacarpus or metatarsus; an internode.
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5. [pl. {Phalanges}.] (Bot.) A group or bundle of stamens, as
in polyadelphous flowers.
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