phalanx -
n. (pl.
phalanxes or phalanges)
1 Gk Antiq. a line of battle, esp. a body of Macedonian infantry drawn up in close order.
2 a set of people etc. forming a compact mass, or banded for a common purpose.
3 a bone of the finger or toe.
4
Bot. a
bundle of stamens united by filaments.
[L f. Gk phalagx -ggos] 
