Main Entry: ¹stanch

Pronunciation: \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch\

Variant(s): or staunch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English staunchen, from Anglo-French estancher, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *stanticare, from Latin stant-, stans, present participle

Date: 14th century

1 : to check or stop the flowing of <stanched her tears>; also : to stop the flow of blood from (a wound)
2 archaic : allay, extinguish
3 a : to stop or check in its course <trying to stanch the crime wave> b : to make watertight : stop up

— stanch·er noun