Stanch (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stanched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Stanching.] [OF. estanchier, F. 'etancher to stpo a liquid from flowing; akin to Pr., Sp., & Pg. estancar, It. stancare to weary, LL. stancare, stagnare, to stanch, fr. L. stagnare to be or make stagnant. See Stagnate.]
1.
To stop the flowing of, as blood; to check; also, to stop the flowing of blood from; as, to stanch a wound.
[Written also
staunch.]
Iron or a stone laid to the neck doth stanch the bleeding of the nose.
Bacon.
2.
To extinguish; to quench, as fire or thirst.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.
Stanch, v. i.
To cease, as the flowing of blood.
Immediately her issue of blood stanched.
Luke viii. 44.
© Webster 1913.
Stanch, n.
1.
That which stanches or checks.
[Obs.]
2.
A flood gate by which water is accumulated, for floating a boat over a shallow part of a stream by its release.
Knight.
© Webster 1913.
Stanch, a. [Compar. Stancher (?); superl. Stanchest.] [From Stanch, v. t., and hence literally signifying, stopped or stayed; cf. Sp. estanco stopped, tight, not leaky, as a ship. See Stanch, v. t.] [Written also staunch.]
1.
Strong and tight; sound; firm; as, a stanch ship.
One of the closets is parqueted with plain deal, set in diamond, exceeding stanch and pretty.
Evelyn.
2.
Firm in principle; constant and zealous; loyal; hearty; steady; steadfast; as, a stanch churchman; a stanch friend or adherent.
V. Knox.
In politics I hear you 're stanch.
Prior.
3.
Close; secret; private.
[Obs.]
This to be kept stanch.
Locke.
© Webster 1913.
Stanch, v. t.
To prop; to make stanch, or strong.
His gathered sticks to stanch the wall
Of the snow tower when snow should fall.
Emerson.
© Webster 1913.