take rank of someone—be of superior rank or status to a person:
- The first wife, however, takes rank of all the others, and is considered mistress of the house.
take rank with someone—be of the same rank or status as smb.:
- Far better is it to dare mighty things, than to take rank with those poor timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase pull rank with someone—(also: pull rank on someone) use one’s superior rank to gain an advantage:
- “May I remind you that I am your superior?” Darcy glared at his cousin. He never pulled rank with him.