Definition of plank

The word "plank" has its roots in Old Norse, a Germanic language spoken by the Vikings and Celts. In Old Norse, the term was "klankr" which refers to a long, wide, and thick wooden board or beam. The word evolved over time as it passed through Old English and Middle English, where it was spelled as "plek" and "plaenc" respectively. In the 14th century, the spelling of the word settled at "plaunk" in Middle English, which eventually morphed into "plank" in Modern English. The use of the word "plank" in the context of a horizontal support or a flat piece of wood for building or construction has been documented as early as the 16th century. Outside of carpentry and construction, the term "plank" was also used in the context of drunkenness, particularly by the 17th century. In this colloquial usage, someone who is so drunk that they cannot stand properly is referred to as "plank-mad" or "planked." However, this use of the word has since fallen out of favour. Today, the word "plank" refers primarily to a long, wide board used in construction or as a component in games such as beer pong.