This is the 9901st most frequent French word.
flanquant
Flanquant: Flanking, situated on the side or alongside.
Here, 'flanquant' is used as a present participle to describe the action of the trees that are positioned on each side of the alley.
Les arbres flanquant l'allée donnent une impression majestueuse.
The trees flanking the alley give a majestic impression.
In this sentence, 'flanquant' represents an ongoing action where the soldiers are positioned on the sides of the generals during movement, emphasizing protection or accompaniment.
Ils avancèrent, les soldats flanquant les généraux.
They advanced, the soldiers flanking the generals.
'Flanquant' here refers to the static placement of buildings bordering or defining the sides of the square.