Main Entry: ²staunch

Pronunciation: \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\

Variant(s): also stanch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French estanche, feminine of estanc, from estancher to stanch — more at stanch

Date: 15th century

1 a : watertight, sound b : strongly built : substantial
2 : steadfast in loyalty or principle <a staunch friend>

synonyms see faithful

— staunch·ly adverb

— staunch·ness noun