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 : substantial2: steadfast in loyalty or principle <a staunch friend>

synonyms see faithful

— staunch·ly adverb

— staunch·ness noun