lanker

Adjective

lank (comparative lanker, superlative lankest)

1. Slender or thin; not well filled out; not plump; shrunken; lean.
   • Run barefoot up and down, threat’ning the flames
     With bisson rheum; a clout upon that head
     Where late the diadem stood, and for a robe,
     About her lank and all o’erteemed loins,
     A blanket, in the alarm of fear caught up;c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...

   Synonyms:

   lithe

2. (obsolete) Meagre, paltry, scant in quantity.
   • We should think him a very imprudent Husbandman, that to save a little seed at present, would sow so thin, as to spoil his crop. And the same folly ’twill be in us, if by the sparingness and niggardize of our Almes, we make our selves a lank Harvest hereafter, and lose the reward God hath provided...1659, Samuel Cradock, Knowledge & Practice, Or, A Plain Discourse of the Chief Things Necessary to be Known, Believ’d & Practised in order to Salvation, London: John Rothwell, Chapter 17, Of the...

   Synonyms:

   insufficient

3. Straight and flat; thin and limp. (Often associated with being greasy.)
   • The Inhabitants most simple, and treated them with great affection. Of Colour more inclined to white, of Body strong and comly, lank Hair, and long Beards, their Cloaths of very fine Mats […]1695, John Stevens (translator), The Portugues Asia; or, The History of the Discovery and Conquest of India by the Portugues, by Manuel de Faria e Sousa, London: C. Brome, Chapter 10, p. 291
4. (obsolete) Languid; drooping, slack.
   • The water-nymphs, that in the bottom played,
     Held up their pearled wrists, and took her in,
     Bearing her straight to aged Nereus’ hall;
     Who, piteous of her woes, reared her lank head,
     And gave her to his daughters to imbathe […]1634, John Milton, Comus, lines 833–837

   Synonyms:

   lax, loose, nutant

See all 7 meanings of lank