—n.
1 a long flat piece of timber used esp. in building, flooring, etc.
2 an item of a political or other programme (cf. PLATFORM).
—v.tr.
1 provide, cover, or floor, with planks.
2 (usu. foll. by down; also absol.) esp. US colloq. a put (a thing, person, etc.) down roughly or violently. b pay (money) on the spot or abruptly (planked down pound5).
Phrases and idioms:
plank bed a bed of boards without a mattress, esp. in prison. walk the plank hist. (of a pirate's captive etc.) be made to walk blindfold along a plank over the side of a ship to one's death in the sea.
Etymology: ME f. ONF planke, OF planche f. LL planca board f. plancus flat-footed
Useful english dictionary. 2012.