rank and file

WordNet-Online
Free dictionary and thesaurus of English. Definitions, synonyms, antonyms and more...
Hint: double-click any word to get it searched!

Noun rank and file has 2 senses

rank and file, rank - the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army); "the strike was supported by the union rank and file"; "he rose from the ranks to become a colonel"
--₁ is a kind of force, personnel
--₁ has members: enlisted man
rank and file - people who constitute the main body of any group
--₂ is a kind of people