blank file
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English:
blank
+
file
Detailed etymology
definitions
noun
- (military) a file in a rank-file formation where there is no one in the centre or rear rank, due to the indivisibility of the total number of soldiers in formation by the number of ranks (three, in the SAF).
- a gap from a missing tooth
- (pejorative, jocular) a nickname for a person with a gap from missing a tooth
usage notes
As the SAF uses a three-rank arrangement, there can only be either one or two blank files when referring to the military sense. Unfortunately for those with missing teeth out there, the maximum limit is nowhere near as low for blank files along the gums.