An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Position, in a series arranged in order, on the basis of some principle of arrangement, with reference to the other items or values in the series.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. ranc “proud, overbearing, showy,” from O.Fr. renc, ranc, rang “row, line;” cf. Dan. rank “right, upright,” Ger. rank “slender,” O.N. rakkr “straight, erect,” perhaps from PIE *reg- “to stretch, straighten,” cognate with Pers. râst, → right.

Etymology (PE): Rotbé, loan from Ar. ratbat “rank.”