adj.
Pronunciation: ' sto ̇ nch, ' stänch
Variant: also stanch \ ' sto ̇ nch, ' stänch, ' stanch \
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