stanch Meaning, Definition & Usage

Stanch transitive verb

Etymology

OF. estanchier, F. étancher 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.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Stanched ; present participle & verbal noun Stanching

Definitions

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.

Stanch intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To cease, as the flowing of blood.

   Immediately her issue of blood stanched. Luke viii. 44.

Stanch noun

Definitions

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.

Stanch adjective

Etymology

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.

Wordforms

comparative Stancher ; superlative Stanchest

Definitions

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.

Stanch transitive verb

Definitions

1. To prop; to make stanch, or strong.

   His gathered sticks to stanch the wall Of the snow tower when snow should fall. Emerson.