Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
×

hance

noun \ ˈhan(t)s \

Definition of hance

plural -s
1 : a curved contour on a ship (as the fall of the fife rail to the deck)
2 a (1) : the arc of minimum radius at the springing of an elliptical or similar arch
(2) : the haunch of an arch
b : a small arch joining a straight lintel to a jamb

There's more!

Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!
Already a subscriber? Log in.

Origin and Etymology of hance

obsolete English hance, haunce lintel, from hance, haunce to raise, from Middle English hauncen, probably short for enhauncen

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up hance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games