Flanking, is the same in fortification as defending.
Flanking party—Any body of men detached from the main army to get upon the flanks of an enemy. See [Flankers].
Flanking angle, in fortification, that composed of the two lines of defence, and pointing towards the curtain. See [Tenaille].
Flanking line of defence. See [line of defence].
Flanking-point. See [Point].
FLASH.—The flame which issues from any piece of ordnance on its being fired.
Flash in the pan, an explosion of gunpowder without any communication beyond the touch hole. When a piece is loaded, and upon the trigger being drawn, nothing but the priming takes fire, that piece is said to flash in the pan.
FLASK, a measure made of horn, used to carry powder in, with the measure of the charge of the piece on the top of it.
Flasques, Fr. in the artillery, are the two cheeks of the carriage of a great gun. See [Affut].
Flasque likewise means a gun-powder flask.