Anatomy . the part of the lower limb in humans between the knee and the ankle; leg.

a corresponding or analogous part in certain animals.

the lower limb in humans, including both the leg and the thigh.

a cut of meat from the top part of the front (foreshank) or back (hind shank) leg of an animal.

a narrow part of various devices, as a tool or bolt, connecting the end by which the object is held or moved with the end that acts upon another object.

a straight, usually narrow, shaftlike part of various objects connecting two more important or complex parts, as the stem of a pipe.

a knob, small projection, or end of a device for attaching to another object, as a small knob on the back of a solid button, or the end of a drill for gripping in a shaft.

the long, straight part of an anchor connecting the crown and the ring.

the straight part of a fishhook away from the bent part or prong.

Music . crook 1 ( def. 8 ) .

Informal .

the early part of a period of time

It was just the shank of the evening when the party began.

the latter part of a period of time

They didn't get started until the shank of the morning.

the narrow part of the sole of a shoe, lying beneath the instep.

shankpiece.

Printing . the body of a type, between the shoulder and the foot.

Golf . a shot veering sharply to the right after being hit with the base of a club shaft.

the part of a phonograph stylus or needle on which the diamond or sapphire tip is mounted.

Jewelry . the part of a ring that surrounds the finger; hoop.

Golf . to hit (a golf ball) with the base of the shaft of a club just above the club head, causing the ball to go off sharply to the right.

Chiefly Scot. to travel on foot. Compare shanks' mare . ?

shank of the evening

the main or best part of the evening

Don't leave yetit's just the shank of the evening.

noun

crus , leg , meat , shaft , shin , stalk , stem