rank [OE] In relation to position in a hierarchy, rank probably has the same root as *ring, and has been part of the language since Middle English, when it came into English from Old French, ultimately going back to a Germanic root. When we talk about the rank and file [L16th] of an organization we mean the ordinary members as distinct from the leaders. This goes back to the idea of rows and columns of soldiers in military formation, drawn up ‘in rank and file’, the ranks being the rows and the files the columns. If you fail to maintain solidarity with your fellows you break ranks [E17th], and if you unite to defend a common interest you close ranks [L18th]. In the armed forces the ranks [M18th] are those who are not commissioned officers: if you work your way up from a lowly position to one of seniority you may be said to have risen from the ranks [L18th]. Rank as an adjective is a different word, which dates back to Old English. Early senses included ‘fully grown’ and ‘luxuriant’, but later meanings involve the idea of disagreeable excess: a rank smell is extremely unpleasant, and rank grass grows too thickly.