Yes, I think it's supposed to be characteristic of the compact maximum beef carrying type that became especially popular when early maturity became the major driver of value for baby beef.
Hereford being a good example. Deep flank, "meat to the ankle". As opposed to dairy form.
From Sanders:
The bull should be of positive masculine type, with a strong head and horn. At maturity he should be possessed of what is commonly called "character"; a term which may be briefly defined as meaning "individuality." Weak heads and countenances, of the negative sort usually seen in steers, do not indicate in the bull prepotency or the power to impress his own likeness with uniformity upon his progeny. The neck should be thick and not too long. The shoulders may be wide and well developed, but should not be too upright; neither should they be too open at the "crops"—the junction of the blades at the top. The "chine"—which includes the "crops" and the joining of the fore-ribs—should be broad, round and full. The back and loin should be wide and wellfurnished with flesh. The ribs ought to be round and deep. A contracted heart-girth is decidedly objectionable. The hips of the bull ought not to be so conspicuous as in the cow. As strong shoulder development is to be expected in the male, so in the female the hips ("hooks") will naturally find greater prominence in order to provide the pelvic capacity required by the demands of the functions of maternity. The quarters should be long and level; the "twist"—space between the thighs—well filled, and the flanks and thighs carried low.*
The Short-horns of the olden time were distinguished for their "table" backs and great scale, but were often rather high from the ground. The market demand for "baby beef" has induced latterday breeders to seek a shorter-legged, more compactly fashioned, blockier type, such as feed to heavy weights at an early age; but it is to be hoped that in pursuing this subject scale will not be unduly neglected.
•This description of course applies rather to the beef form than to the dairy type. Where deep-milking capacity is desired the full "twist" and flanks will scarcely be present. The space which in the beef cow is here occupied by flesh will in that case be required for ud.der development.