Phalanx, n.; pl. Phalanxes, L. Phalanges.
Etymology: [L., from Gr.
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. The Grecian phalanx, moveless as a tower. Pope.
2. Any body of troops or men formed in close array, or any combination of people distinguished for firmness and solidity of a union. At present they formed a united phalanx. Macaulay. The sheep recumbent, and the sheep that grazed, All huddling into phalanx, stood and gazed. Cowper.
3. A Fourierite community; a phalanstery.
4 more senses
4. (Anat.)
One of the digital bones of the hand or foot, beyond the metacarpus or metatarsus; an internode.
5. Etym: [pl. Phalanges.] (Bot.)
A group or bundle of stamens, as in polyadelphous flowers.