1. adj. (also stanch)
1. trustworthy, loyal (my staunch friend and supporter).
2 (of a ship, joint, etc.) strong, watertight, airtight, etc.
Derivatives:
staunchly adv. staunchness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF estanche fem. of estanc f. Rmc: see STANCH(1) 2.var. of STANCH(1).