n. 1. A protruding rim, edge, rib, or collar, as on a wheel or a pipe shaft, used to strengthen an object, hold it in place, or attach it to another object. 2. A wide edge on a pillow, placemat, or other fabric object, especially a piece of fabric or ribbon extending from the outer seam. [Possibly variant of flanch, device at the side of an escutcheon, perhaps from French flanche, feminine of flanc, side; see FLANK.] flange v. |
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